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
Four women and two children were part of twenty-three people killed as part of the ongoing violence in Syria.
The Syrian Observatory of Human Rights detailed an attack in Idlib province where nine members of one family were killed in a mortar attack by government forces. Activists report twelve soldiers were also killed in the day’s fighting. Continue reading
The UN’s peace plan in Syria continues to erode with more than 28 people killed in weekend attacks.
Eight people died in two suicide bomb attacks and over 20 had been killed in attacks on security forces in the Idlib area. The attacks included bombs outside the Syrian Air Force Intelligence headquarters and Miltary Intelligence building. Continue reading