🔔 Hey there, news enthusiasts! Big news from the UN: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is calling for an immediate halt to all hostilities in Syria as violence escalates in the region.
On Monday, Guterres expressed deep alarm over the surge in fighting across northwest Syria. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said the UN chief is urging all parties to remember their obligations under international and humanitarian laws. He’s pushing for everyone to return to peace talks, in line with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015). 🕊️
The appeal comes after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group labeled as a terrorist organization by the UN Security Council, along with allied opposition factions, launched a major offensive last week in Aleppo. They've changed the front lines that had been static since 2020!
😔 Reports are coming in about civilian casualties, tens of thousands displaced, and damage to vital infrastructure. Essential services and humanitarian aid have been disrupted, making life even harder for residents.
Guterres is urging all sides to protect civilians and allow safe passage for those fleeing the violence. He emphasized the urgent need for parties to engage with his special envoy to find a peaceful solution. \"Syrians have endured conflict for nearly 14 years,\" he said. \"They deserve a political horizon that will deliver a peaceful future, not more bloodshed.\" ❤️🩹
Meanwhile, the Syrian army reports it has repelled a major offensive by rebel factions in Hama Province. The army claims to have reestablished control over key areas that briefly fell into rebel hands.
But the fighting isn't just on the ground. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, rebel factions launched rocket attacks on the city of Hama, hitting neighborhoods for the first time and resulting in civilian casualties. Syrian state TV also reported that air defenses confronted drones over the city.
Just last week, rebel groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham kicked off a major offensive in Aleppo province. By Sunday, they had seized large parts of Aleppo city and were advancing toward Hama.
In response, the Syrian army, with support from Russia, announced intensified operations in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. They claim to have eliminated over 400 militants in the past 24 hours.
🌍 The situation is heating up, and the world is watching. Let's hope for peace and safety for all those affected.
Reference(s):
UN chief calls for immediate cessation of hostilities in Syria
cgtn.com
