By Mark McMurray
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
DAMASCUS, Syria — On Thursday, Syrian forces increased efforts to reclaim areas in the capital Damascus and the city of Aleppo from rebels. The violence resulted in the deaths of about 100 people throughout Syria, with nearly 50 civilians dying in Damascus and more than 20 government troops losing their lives.
The military bombed the towns of Daraya and Moadamiyeh near the capital. A London-based group, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reported raids on houses in Daraya and heavy fighting in the Hajar al-Aswad district of Damascus.
Activist Abu Zeid spoke with Reuters about the violence in Daraya. “They are using mortar bombs to clear each sector then they enter it, while moving towards the centre,” he said. In Moadamiyeh, the army used the nearby Qassioun mountain as a staging area for bombing the city.
Additionally, districts of Aleppo came under attack, with reports of foreign fighters joining the opposition. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the army had previously claimed that they had “cleansed” the area of rebels. On Thursday, Syria’s state news agency, SANA, reported that government forces had again routed “terrorists” in Aleppo.
Thursday also marked the release of an 11-page report by Amnesty International detailing the treatment of civilians in Aleppo. Syria’s largest city has witnessed the brunt of the violence since the uprising.
“Civilians are enduring a horrific level of violence in the battle between Syrian government forces and opposition fighters for control of Aleppo,” the report’s summary read.
“The use of imprecise weapons, such as unguided bombs, artillery shells and mortars by government forces, has dramatically increased the danger for civilians,” Donatella Rovera of Amnesty International added.
“As the conflict continues there are also growing concerns about increased abuses, including unlawful killings and ill-treatment of captives by opposition fighters belonging to a plethora of armed opposition groups, including the Free Syrian Army, operating in the city,” the report said.
The upheaval in Syria has continued to impact its neighboring countries. In Lebanon, fighting broke out again on Thursday. The Lebanese city of Tripoli saw its fourth day of violence with clashes between pro-Assad and anti-Assad forces. A cease fire between political leaders representing the groups was broken less than 24 hours after its formation on Wednesday.
Tripoli and other parts of Lebanon have witnessed growing tensions between Sunni and Alawite Muslims who often live in neighboring communities. Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad has enjoyed the support of most of his Alawite sect while the Sunni community supports the Sunni led revolt seeking to topple his government.
For further information, please see:
BBC News – Syria Crisis: Fighting Continues in Damascus and Aleppo – 23 August 2012
NY Times –Syrian Forces Renew Raids on Damascus Suburbs – 23 August 2012
Syria Arab News Agency – Terrorists Confronted in Aleppo and Homs – 23 August 2012
Voice of America – Syrian Forces Carry Out Assault on Damascus – 23 August 2012
