MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Fighting in Aleppo has escalated over the past few weeks, with the Syrian army and local militia forces having managed to encircle large groups of militants in eastern districts of the city.
#COISyria Statement on urgent need to protect civilians living amidst on-going attacks on #Aleppo city #Syria https://t.co/I0olxLfSHg
— HRC SECRETARIAT (@UN_HRC) 16 августа 2016 г.
"The Commission is gravely concerned for the safety of civilians, including a reported 100,000 children, living in eastern Aleppo city, where violence has reached new heights in recent weeks as asymmetric warfare intensifies over control of armed group-held neighbourhoods and their principal remaining supply lines, currently the Castello road and access through Ramouseh neighbourhood," the Commission said in a statement.
In the statement the Commission urges both government and militant forces to observe international law and allow civilians that are still in combat zones in Aleppo access to humanitarian aid as well calling for an end to attacks directed against the civilian population.
On Monday, the United Nations said that between 250,000 and 275,000 people are currently trapped in eastern Aleppo following the July closure of Castello Road amid heavy fighting in the area.
Aleppo has been under siege by militant groups, including as Jaish al-Islam, Ahrar ash-Sham and Jabhat Fatah al Sham, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, classified as terrorist organization.