CURRENT SITUATION
Syria
From the end of December a truce has been on force in Syria. It was proclaimed by Russia, Turkey and Iran, and was followed by the talks of Astana, Kazakhstan which effectively redesigned external influences in the war, excluding the US and giving a secondary role to the Arab states of the Gulf.
Through the acquaintanceship we have among the refugees we were able to deliver the Proposal for Peace at this table too, despite knowing that it is improbable that demands by civilians who are not fighting will be listened to, but also knowing that a peace made without them will be unfair. Until now the truce have been holding.
LEBANON-SYRIA
Monthly Reports
December 2016
CURRENT SITUATION
International community attention, in December 2016, focused particularly on the situation of Aleppo. There were thousands of losses among civilians, including many children. Despite they sought refuge in cellars were unable to avoid the repeated and daily bombing by the coalition that supports the regime, engaged in regaining control of the East part of the city. More than 900 bombs a day were dropped.
Around the middle of the month an agreement was reached, thanks to the mediation of Turkey and Russia, which led to the evacuation of the remaining Syrians. Evacuees faced difficult days due to weather conditions and the lack of any basic necessity. Several children died because of this total abandonment. Despite international attention, United Nations and other organizations for Human Rights denounced the disappearance of at least 500 men and boys while getting out of the city. In addition, there is evidence of collective executions and revenge by militias who support the action of Assad.
November 2016
GENERAL SITUATION
In Syria war goes on. In various cities, particularly in Aleppo, the situation becomes day after day more dramatic. The bombing by the coalition in support to the Syrian regime, make the life of thousands of civilians increasingly unbearable. In mid-November the only three hospitals still in working conditions suffered heavy attacks and were rendered unusable. Every day dozens of civilian deaths are registered and several thousand refugees are leaving the city. For them the International Community is trying to provide a minimum service: wood and plastic sheeting to build tents in new camps. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimated that about fifty thousand people have been forced to flee and at least fifty of them have lost their lives because of an air raid.
The Syrian government has refused for the umpteenth time the truce proposed by the UN, which demands that the armed groups abandon the city, leaving it in the hands of the existing Municipal Council. The UN states that Aleppo thus risks becoming a giant cemetery.
OPERAZIONE COLOMBA
