UN, France alarmed over Aleppo atrocities

The United Nations Secretary-General is “alarmed over reports of atrocities” against “large number of civilians” in Syria’s Aleppo, according to a statement issued late Monday.

“While stressing that the United Nations is not able to independently verify these reports, the Secretary-General is conveying his grave concern to the relevant parties,” the statement said.

UN humanitarian adviser on Syria, Jan Egeland, said earlier in the day the Syrian regime and Russia were responsible for atrocities committed by militias in Aleppo.

The Gov'ts of Syria & Russia are accountable for any and all atrocities that the victorious militias in Aleppo are now committing!

— Jan Egeland (@NRC_Egeland) December 12, 2016

Despite Russian assertions last week that the Syrian regime would halt attacks on eastern Aleppo to allow civilians to leave besieged areas, Iran-affiliated Shia militias are hindering them from doing so, according to local sources.