UN raises alarm as civilians [human shields, hostages] flee Aleppo assault

The Syrian government offensive to recapture rebel-held Aleppo sparked international alarm on Tuesday, with the UN saying nearly 16,000 people had fled the assault and more could follow.


France called for an immediate Security Council session on the fighting, which has seen the army capture a third of opposition-controlled east Aleppo in recent days.

The fighting has prompted an exodus of terrified civilians, many fleeing empty-handed into remaining rebel-held territory, or crossing into government-controlled western Aleppo or Kurdish districts.

• UN humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien said the situation was "alarming and chilling".

"Up to 16,000 people have been "displaced" [sic], many into uncertain and precarious situations," he said in a statement.
 [dailystar.com.lb/AFP]
29/11/16

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