500 Syrians killed and 50,000 fled since beginning of Aleppo battles

Some 500 individuals were killed, at least 100 of whom were civilians, since the beginning of the Assad regime’s attack on Aleppo in early February, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has revealed.

In addition to the deaths, 50,000 people fled the area due to the escalation in violence, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced yesterday.

An ICRC statement stated that the fighting put great pressure on civilians, adding to the general lack of food, water, fuel and electricity, which are compounded by the low temperatures. The Organisation said it has been unable to reach some areas to deliver aid.

In a statement it added that food aid and water was delivered to 10,000 families, most of whom are in the northern parts of Aleppo. ICRC added that more aid, including medicines, would be delivered over the next few days.

UN Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Kevin Kennedy, said: “The humanitarian aid in Syria is on-going, despite the death of 85 relief workers after public areas were targeted, including schools and hospitals, during the battles witnessed in the country for the past five years.”