Syria: Rebels in Aleppo and the presidential palace in Damascus, Occident calls for de-escalation

Intense fighting between rebels and government forces with Russian intervention: hundreds dead

The United States, Germany, France and the United Kingdom have called for immediate de-escalation in Syria as the conflict in the north-west of the country registers a dramatic increase in violence. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported over 400 deaths since the start of the offensive by jihadists from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (Hts) and armed opposition forces, including 61 civilians.

Rebel offensive and government reaction

Rebel forces captured Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city, in a surprise operation that left the regime with only some outlying areas controlled by Kurdish militias. Rebels also reportedly occupied the presidential palace in Damascus, in a symbolic blow to the leadership of Bashar al-Assad, who has promised to ‘eradicate terrorism by force’.

Russian intervention and air raids

The Russian air force is supporting the Syrian army with intensive bombardments against rebel positions in the provinces of Idlib, Hama and Aleppo. The Observatory reported that Russian raids intensified on Sunday, hitting towns and villages recaptured by the rebels, with continuous shelling throughout the night.

Appeal for peace

In a joint statement, the US, Germany, France and the UK called for immediate de-escalation and compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which promotes a political solution to the conflict. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan the need to protect civilians and infrastructure, emphasising the urgency of stopping escalation.

A dramatic balance sheet

According to the Observatory, the rebel offensive claimed the lives of 214 opposition fighters, 137 pro-government soldiers and 61 civilians, including 17 killed on Sunday. Meanwhile, displacements and casualties continue to mount as the conflict spreads to new areas and threatens to further destabilise the region.

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