Syrian troops launch major ground offensive in Aleppo

On Tuesday, Syrian government troops and allies attempting to take over the rebel-held side of Aleppo stepped up their ground attacks in the Old City.

The move comes after the collapse of a ceasefire, backed by the United States, after just one week, and the U.S. says it's proof Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will do anything to defeat the opposition, ignoring the peace process. Over the past week, hundreds of people in Aleppo have been killed in bombings, including 12 members of two families on Tuesday. It's thought that more than 250,000 people live in the besieged part of Aleppo, with only 30 doctors remaining to take care of the hundreds of people wounded daily.

Before the civil war began nearly six years ago, Aleppo was the biggest city in Syria. The army has control of the western zone, and soldiers and militia fighters supporting Assad told Reuters they are starting to move in armored vehicles and tanks for more attacks against rebels.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up