Explosive situation – NATO states call for “de-escalation” in Syria

In view of the major jihadist offensive against ruler Bashar al-Assad’s forces, they called on “all parties to de-escalate and protect civilians and infrastructure to prevent further displacement and disruption of the transport of humanitarian aid.”

The current escalation “only underlines the urgent need” for a “political solution to the conflict,” a US State Department statement said. This must be done “in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254,” the report said.

The four states referred to a 2015 UN resolution that provides a timetable for ending the conflict with a ceasefire, the formation of a transitional government within six months, the development of a new constitution and elections within 18 months .

There is fear among the population
Following the rebel offensive on Aleppo in northwestern Syria, people living in the city of over a million people are reporting fear. Khalid Imad is particularly concerned about possible further Russian or Syrian air strikes on the city, he told dpa. According to him, many residents feel the same way.

Many people are currently avoiding the city’s major markets, fearing they could be targeted by airstrikes that the government and its ally Russia want to use to drive opposition rebels from the city. They did their shopping in smaller streets, said the Syrian who lives in western Aleppo. According to him, food is currently available everywhere. Mohammed Hanan is also particularly afraid of the government forces – and their announced counter-offensive against the city. “This endangers the lives of thousands of citizens,” he expressed concern.

The streets are empty
Resident Malak Abdul-Rahman, on the other hand, also sees other threats in the current situation. “Cars carrying armed groups drive through the streets and markets of Aleppo,” the woman said. That is why there are far fewer people out and about than normal, she is sure. The streets are empty. The rebels have also blocked roads, currently preventing people from leaving the city.

Thousands fled
After the offensive began, thousands of people left Aleppo. Some also fled the city on foot, eyewitnesses told dpa. Most of his neighbors have left for fear of fighting between the rebels and the Syrian army, Ahmed Ibrahim said. Many residents of his neighborhood in the east of the city left when the rebels overran western Aleppo.

The city in northwestern Syria was the scene of heavy fighting between rebel groups and government forces in the early years of the civil war that broke out in 2011. At that time, the rebels were forcibly expelled from the eastern part of the city by the Syrian army and its allies.