Aleppo, the largest city in the country of Syria, has been hit by gunships as fighting in the country’s civil war intensifies, according to BBC reports.
Rebels have launched a major offensive against government forces in the city in an attempt to wrest control of the region. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that territorial gains by the rebels would help to create a “safe haven” for those opposed to the current Syrian regime. Continue reading
Syrian government forces have killed over 100 in the latest massacre related to the civil war situation in the country. The attack in the central Homs province is still sketchy on information as the government has tried to quell reports of the mass killing.
The Observatory for Human Rights reports that sources have confirmed over 100 people killed but only 30 have been positively identified. Activists now say government forces have killed over 17,000 people since the start of the uprising against Syrian President Bashir Assad. Continue reading
UN envoy Kofi Annan has developed a new plan for Syria which includes a national unity government aimed at bringing political change to the war-torn nation. Russia, a key opponent to military intervention in the nation’s civil war, is reportedly in favor of Annan’s proposal.
According to western diplomats who have seen the plan, a cabinet will be made of members of the opposition and the current government but no one would who undermine the credibility of the body. Continue reading
After being targeted by gunfire, Maj. Gen. Robert Mood announced his decision to suspend all operations of the UN Observer Team in Syria.
There have been at least ten direct fire incidents on UN personnel and nine UN vehicles were struck in attacks over the last week. Continue reading
The head of the UN Oberservers in Syria is stating that neither side in the country’s civil war is willing to have a peaceful transition and that violence is increasing.
“Violence over the past 10 days has been intensifying,” Major General Robert Mood said at a Friday press conference. “[There is] a push toward advancing military positions.”
General Mood said the UN is focusing on the civilians in the country and trying to make sure their pain and suffering is addressed. Continue reading
Kenya’s prime minister is asking the United States and European Union to send troops for a “final onslaught” against a seaport seen as the main stronghold of Islamist militant group al-Shabab.
“An operation by land, sea and air,” Raila Odinga stated when asked about what would be required to take the city of Kismayo from the Islamists. Continue reading
The head of UN peacekeeping has declared that Syria is now in a state of civil war.
“Clearly what is happening is that the government of Syria lost some large chunks of territory,” Herve Ladsous told reporters outside the UN in New York. Asked by a reporter if Syria was in a state of civil war, Ladsous said “Yes, I think we can say that.” Continue reading
The United Nations is reporting that on the heels of the Houla massacre observers have found 13 shooting victims apparently executed outside the city of Deir al-Zour.
The men were found with their hands bound behind their backs with most shot in the head. UN leadership in the country is characterizing the actions as an “appalling and inexcusable act.” Continue reading
The UN has issued a report stating that the Syrian Army is responsible for the most serious human rights abuses in the nation since March 2012.
The report listed many “unlawful killings” conducted by Syrian military forces to stop anti-government demostrations in Idlib, Hama, Damascus and four other cities & numerous villages.
The report said that “too often the civilians born the brunt of the violence” between government and opposition forces. Continue reading
At least four people have been killed as Syrian forces raided student accommodations in the city of Aleppo.
Forces opened fire with live ammunition on an anti-government protest outside Aleppo University student dormitories. In addition to the shooting of students, tear gas was used to disperse protestors.
The University has suspended all classes for the rest of the academic year due to the assault. Continue reading
