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Syria crisis: Assad forces move in on Aleppo - live updates Syria crisis: Assad forces move in on Aleppo - live updates
(4 months later)
9.07am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.9.07am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.
Syria's second city and economic hub Aleppo remains the focus of attention today with reports by opposition activists that President Bashar al-Assad's forces are closing in on rebel-held districts.Syria's second city and economic hub Aleppo remains the focus of attention today with reports by opposition activists that President Bashar al-Assad's forces are closing in on rebel-held districts.
Here's a round-up of the main developments overnight and this morning:Here's a round-up of the main developments overnight and this morning:
• Army tanks around Aleppo have begun moving in on south-western areas of the city, while government military jets have intensified their bombardment of rebel-held areas, mounting low altitude raids.• Army tanks around Aleppo have begun moving in on south-western areas of the city, while government military jets have intensified their bombardment of rebel-held areas, mounting low altitude raids.
• Both rebels and regime forces have billed the showdown in Syria's most populous city as a key moment in the 18-month uprising, which has now escalated into civil war.• Both rebels and regime forces have billed the showdown in Syria's most populous city as a key moment in the 18-month uprising, which has now escalated into civil war.
• Assad's forces are on the brink of logistical meltdown and collapse, due to a lack petrol, food and other essential supplies, according to General Mohammad Al-Zobi who has defected to the opposition.• Assad's forces are on the brink of logistical meltdown and collapse, due to a lack petrol, food and other essential supplies, according to General Mohammad Al-Zobi who has defected to the opposition.
• Turkish prime minister Tayyip Erdogan has called on the international community, including the United Nations and the Arab League, to address the assault on Aleppo and Assad's threat to use chemical weapons against external enemies. "There is a build-up in Aleppo, and the recent statements with respect to the use of weapons of mass destruction are actions that we cannot remain an observer or spectator to," he said at a joint news conference in London with British prime minister David Cameron.• Turkish prime minister Tayyip Erdogan has called on the international community, including the United Nations and the Arab League, to address the assault on Aleppo and Assad's threat to use chemical weapons against external enemies. "There is a build-up in Aleppo, and the recent statements with respect to the use of weapons of mass destruction are actions that we cannot remain an observer or spectator to," he said at a joint news conference in London with British prime minister David Cameron.
9.30am: Syrian military helicopters have launched an attack on the central district of Salaheddine in Aleppo, Reuters reports.9.30am: Syrian military helicopters have launched an attack on the central district of Salaheddine in Aleppo, Reuters reports.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in a statement: "Helicopters are participating in clashes at the entrance of Salaheddine district and bombarding it. There are also violent clashes at the entrances to Sakhour district."The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in a statement: "Helicopters are participating in clashes at the entrance of Salaheddine district and bombarding it. There are also violent clashes at the entrances to Sakhour district."
This video posted online on Saturday claims to show government forces shelling Aleppo.This video posted online on Saturday claims to show government forces shelling Aleppo.
9.43am: The Associated Press has a report about a six-year-old boy who was killed by Syrian troops as he and his family tried to flee into Jordan in the early hours of Friday.9.43am: The Associated Press has a report about a six-year-old boy who was killed by Syrian troops as he and his family tried to flee into Jordan in the early hours of Friday.
The family crept across farmland under night's cover, heading for the border, when Syrian troops opened fire. Bullets whizzed around them as they broke into a mad dash, survivors say. The 6-year-old boy, holding his mother's hand, broke away and ran ahead. He nearly made it into Jordan when he fell dead, a bullet in his neck.The family crept across farmland under night's cover, heading for the border, when Syrian troops opened fire. Bullets whizzed around them as they broke into a mad dash, survivors say. The 6-year-old boy, holding his mother's hand, broke away and ran ahead. He nearly made it into Jordan when he fell dead, a bullet in his neck.
Bilal el-Lababidi and his parents were in a group of around a dozen Syrians trying to sneak into Jordan just after midnight, the latest of more than 140,000 Syrians who have taken refuge in the kingdom.Bilal el-Lababidi and his parents were in a group of around a dozen Syrians trying to sneak into Jordan just after midnight, the latest of more than 140,000 Syrians who have taken refuge in the kingdom.
"He is a martyr who is now in a better place. I'm sure he is in heaven," said el-Lababidi's mother before the boy's burial later Friday at a cemetery in the northern Jordanian city of Ramtha. She made it across with her two younger sons but her husband fled back amid the shooting."He is a martyr who is now in a better place. I'm sure he is in heaven," said el-Lababidi's mother before the boy's burial later Friday at a cemetery in the northern Jordanian city of Ramtha. She made it across with her two younger sons but her husband fled back amid the shooting.
9.50am: There are reports on Twitter that more than 40 people have already been killed in clashes today in Syria.9.50am: There are reports on Twitter that more than 40 people have already been killed in clashes today in Syria.
Sumaiyah, who describes himself as a Syrian Turk, writes: "41 dead in #Syria. May I remind you that's it's only 11:46 am there?"Sumaiyah, who describes himself as a Syrian Turk, writes: "41 dead in #Syria. May I remind you that's it's only 11:46 am there?"
9.55am: The Associated Press has a report about the impact of the Syrian civil war on the Druse people in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.9.55am: The Associated Press has a report about the impact of the Syrian civil war on the Druse people in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.
The Druse have been loyal to Assad's family as it has vowed to take back the territory from Israel. But now villagers in the area are divided between supporters of the uprising and those who continue to back the regime. A Druse doctor predicted his people would demand Assad's downfall, while a butcher in a nearby town denounced the Syrian uprising as a foreign conspiracy, AP reports.The Druse have been loyal to Assad's family as it has vowed to take back the territory from Israel. But now villagers in the area are divided between supporters of the uprising and those who continue to back the regime. A Druse doctor predicted his people would demand Assad's downfall, while a butcher in a nearby town denounced the Syrian uprising as a foreign conspiracy, AP reports.
9.59am: Here's another video that claims to show shelling of Aleppo by Assad's forces today..9.59am: Here's another video that claims to show shelling of Aleppo by Assad's forces today..
Reuters has this video report about today's clashes. The video, obtained from a social media website, claims to show rebel forces firing on a tank and a military helicopter being shot down.Reuters has this video report about today's clashes. The video, obtained from a social media website, claims to show rebel forces firing on a tank and a military helicopter being shot down.
10.35am: This is Shiv Malik here taking over from David Batty.10.35am: This is Shiv Malik here taking over from David Batty.
10.41am: Associated Press news wires also reporting that the government is pounding the country's second city, Aleppo, with military helicopters.10.41am: Associated Press news wires also reporting that the government is pounding the country's second city, Aleppo, with military helicopters.
Activists said soldiers were targeting rebel-controlled neighborhoods to crush the opposition forces for good. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said fierce fighting has erupted inside those neighborhoods.Activists said soldiers were targeting rebel-controlled neighborhoods to crush the opposition forces for good. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said fierce fighting has erupted inside those neighborhoods.
11.05am: Two earlier tweets from the BBC's Ian Pannell who is currently in Aleppo, that give an impression of the start of the assault from government forces.11.05am: Two earlier tweets from the BBC's Ian Pannell who is currently in Aleppo, that give an impression of the start of the assault from government forces.
Skirmishing on the streets of #Aleppo.Seen a number of #FSA fighters wounded & killed. Rebels very edgy. #SyriaSkirmishing on the streets of #Aleppo.Seen a number of #FSA fighters wounded & killed. Rebels very edgy. #Syria
— ianpannell (@BBCiPannell) July 28, 2012— ianpannell (@BBCiPannell) July 28, 2012
Activists claim army incursion in Salah Al Din area #Aleppo repelled by #FSA & number of tanks destroyed. Unverified. #SyriaActivists claim army incursion in Salah Al Din area #Aleppo repelled by #FSA & number of tanks destroyed. Unverified. #Syria
— ianpannell (@BBCiPannell) July 28, 2012— ianpannell (@BBCiPannell) July 28, 2012
11.20am:A video here, published earlier today on YouTube purports to show the fighting in the Salah Al Din area, which the BBC's Ian Pannell reported on this morning (see below).11.20am:A video here, published earlier today on YouTube purports to show the fighting in the Salah Al Din area, which the BBC's Ian Pannell reported on this morning (see below).
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11.26am:The Press Association in Scotland is reporting that a group of 24 campaigners have protested outside a Russian embassy to "signify what they say is the number of people dying every day in the Syrian uprising."11.26am:The Press Association in Scotland is reporting that a group of 24 campaigners have protested outside a Russian embassy to "signify what they say is the number of people dying every day in the Syrian uprising."
Syrians living in Scotland joined with Amnesty International at the embassy in Edinburgh to mark 500 days since the start of the conflict.Syrians living in Scotland joined with Amnesty International at the embassy in Edinburgh to mark 500 days since the start of the conflict.
The charity said it has the names of more than 12,000 men, women and children who have died since the start of the conflict. It is calling on the international community to bring bloodshed in the country to an end.The charity said it has the names of more than 12,000 men, women and children who have died since the start of the conflict. It is calling on the international community to bring bloodshed in the country to an end.
11.47am: This video purports to be footage of a repelled government attack in the Salah Al Din district of Aleppo from earlier today. On the ground are dead government soldiers, the video says.11.47am: This video purports to be footage of a repelled government attack in the Salah Al Din district of Aleppo from earlier today. On the ground are dead government soldiers, the video says.
Separately FSA sources have said that they destroyed a number of tanks in the area so this video may help confirm this.Separately FSA sources have said that they destroyed a number of tanks in the area so this video may help confirm this.
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12.00pm: Russia's state news agency RIA is reporting that the head of the country's navy, Vice Adm. Viktor Chirkov has said that they might evacuate their base in Syria if it comes under attack.12.00pm: Russia's state news agency RIA is reporting that the head of the country's navy, Vice Adm. Viktor Chirkov has said that they might evacuate their base in Syria if it comes under attack.
It is not clear whether they expect this. The base in Tartus is not very far from Homs city.It is not clear whether they expect this. The base in Tartus is not very far from Homs city.
Servicemen may be evacuated from the Russian naval base in Tartus, Syria, if it comes under attack, Navy chief Vice Adm. Viktor Chirkov said on Saturday.Servicemen may be evacuated from the Russian naval base in Tartus, Syria, if it comes under attack, Navy chief Vice Adm. Viktor Chirkov said on Saturday.
"I am not the one to issue orders: We have the defense minister [for that]," he said in an interview with Ekho Moskvy Radio. "If we have to evacuate the personnel that is currently deployed there, we certainly will.""I am not the one to issue orders: We have the defense minister [for that]," he said in an interview with Ekho Moskvy Radio. "If we have to evacuate the personnel that is currently deployed there, we certainly will."
He stressed that an order by the commander in chief of the Russian Armed Forces (the president) and Russia's top political leadership was required for that.He stressed that an order by the commander in chief of the Russian Armed Forces (the president) and Russia's top political leadership was required for that.
What makes this more interesting is that the Syrian base is Russia's only
existing naval base outside the former Soviet Union and in a crucial warm water location on the Mediterranean.		What makes this more interesting is that the Syrian base is Russia's only
existing naval base outside the former Soviet Union and in a crucial warm water location on the Mediterranean.
It also comes a day after a report that Russia is seeking out locations for other bases in foreign countries including Cuba, Vietnam and the Seychelles.It also comes a day after a report that Russia is seeking out locations for other bases in foreign countries including Cuba, Vietnam and the Seychelles.
12.32pm: Sky News Asia correspondent Alex Rossi tweets this:12.32pm: Sky News Asia correspondent Alex Rossi tweets this:
Reports via Sky News Arabia inside Aleppo - more than fifty tanks have rolled into Salah Al Deen district. Heavy fighting. #SyriaReports via Sky News Arabia inside Aleppo - more than fifty tanks have rolled into Salah Al Deen district. Heavy fighting. #Syria
— alex rossi (@alexrossiSKY) July 28, 2012— alex rossi (@alexrossiSKY) July 28, 2012
1.30pm: Here's a lunch time summary of events so far:1.30pm: Here's a lunch time summary of events so far:
• Syrian government forces are currently battling rebels in the second and most populous city of Aleppo with tanks and helicopters. • Syrian government forces are currently battling rebels in the second and most populous city of Aleppo with tanks and helicopters.
• Information is scant from the city though video appears to show that rebels have had some successes in battling back against the air and ground assault. • Information is scant from the city though video appears to show that rebels have had some successes in battling back against the air and ground assault.
• It is unclear how many people have been killed as yet though both sides regard this as a crucial battle in the 18-month uprising and so deaths including those of civilians are expected to be high. • It is unclear how many people have been killed as yet though both sides regard this as a crucial battle in the 18-month uprising and so deaths including those of civilians are expected to be high.
• Russian navy chief Vice Adm. Viktor Chirkov said his country may evacuate their Syrian base if it comes under attack. • Russian navy chief Vice Adm. Viktor Chirkov said his country may evacuate their Syrian base if it comes under attack.
1.48pm: Our own correspondent Luke Harding who is in Aleppo has tweeted this:1.48pm: Our own correspondent Luke Harding who is in Aleppo has tweeted this:
Just filed a dispatch from the #Aleppo frontline for the Observer. North of the city rebels and army base just 1.5km apartJust filed a dispatch from the #Aleppo frontline for the Observer. North of the city rebels and army base just 1.5km apart
— Luke Harding (@lukeharding1968) July 28, 2012— Luke Harding (@lukeharding1968) July 28, 2012
FSA camping out in a florid Italian-style villa. Mortars have torn large chunks from the balustrades - though missed the swimming pool...FSA camping out in a florid Italian-style villa. Mortars have torn large chunks from the balustrades - though missed the swimming pool...
— Luke Harding (@lukeharding1968) July 28, 2012— Luke Harding (@lukeharding1968) July 28, 2012
Rebels confident they can win against the #Syrian army. "It's like a sick man. It's dying from within," one commander told meRebels confident they can win against the #Syrian army. "It's like a sick man. It's dying from within," one commander told me
— Luke Harding (@lukeharding1968) July 28, 2012— Luke Harding (@lukeharding1968) July 28, 2012
2.59pm: The publisher of this video here says it shows street fighting from earlier today in Aleppo.2.59pm: The publisher of this video here says it shows street fighting from earlier today in Aleppo.
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The video repeats halfway through but the intensity of the fight in this small block of the city is apparent.The video repeats halfway through but the intensity of the fight in this small block of the city is apparent.
3.03pm: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has put today's death toll at 22.3.03pm: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has put today's death toll at 22.
18 deaths occurred in Aleppo. Eight of those were government soldiers.18 deaths occurred in Aleppo. Eight of those were government soldiers.
3.08pm: A meeting of two stories. If you were watching the Olympic opening ceremonies last night, you would have seen the Syrian team processing through the stadium in Stratford.3.08pm: A meeting of two stories. If you were watching the Olympic opening ceremonies last night, you would have seen the Syrian team processing through the stadium in Stratford.
Today three Syrian athletes were competing on the first full day of competition in swimming, shooting and boxing Saturday.Today three Syrian athletes were competing on the first full day of competition in swimming, shooting and boxing Saturday.
The head of Syria's Olympic team, Baher Khayata, who is from Aleppo has given comment to Associated Press newswires saying he was worried about his family who are currently trapped in Aleppo.The head of Syria's Olympic team, Baher Khayata, who is from Aleppo has given comment to Associated Press newswires saying he was worried about his family who are currently trapped in Aleppo.
He said the army was trying to "protect people and keep them safe," and that expelling armed opposition members from Aleppo "is maybe the way to stop bloodshed throughout Syria."He said the army was trying to "protect people and keep them safe," and that expelling armed opposition members from Aleppo "is maybe the way to stop bloodshed throughout Syria."
3.15pm: Our correspondent in Aleppo, Luke Harding has just filed a long story which should be up shortly but here is an extract before the full version goes up on our site:3.15pm: Our correspondent in Aleppo, Luke Harding has just filed a long story which should be up shortly but here is an extract before the full version goes up on our site:
The green tanks of Bashar al-Assad's army twinkled in the afternoon haze – two of them, parked just outside a military base.The green tanks of Bashar al-Assad's army twinkled in the afternoon haze – two of them, parked just outside a military base.
From the Syrian rebel position a mere 1.5 kilometres away an opposition fighter peered curiously at them. He poked his binoculars through a tiny window – gesturing to watch out for snipers.From the Syrian rebel position a mere 1.5 kilometres away an opposition fighter peered curiously at them. He poked his binoculars through a tiny window – gesturing to watch out for snipers.
At that moment there was a percussive boom: a shell landing in the nearby hills....At that moment there was a percussive boom: a shell landing in the nearby hills....
"The bombing has been going on all night. And all morning," Abdul Sadiq, a Free Syrian Army commander, said indifferently. "The shelling is continuous.""The bombing has been going on all night. And all morning," Abdul Sadiq, a Free Syrian Army commander, said indifferently. "The shelling is continuous."
His militia volunteers seized the town of Anadan, 13 kilometres immediately north of Aleppo, a month ago. Groups of FSA fighters infiltrated into south and east Aleppo last week on Friday.His militia volunteers seized the town of Anadan, 13 kilometres immediately north of Aleppo, a month ago. Groups of FSA fighters infiltrated into south and east Aleppo last week on Friday.
Sadiq's rebels have taken over a florid Italian-style villa in Anadan, until recently occupied by regime officers. The Syrian army is encamped within jogging distance in the nearby Hraytan base; since pulling out it has targeted the building's new owners relentlessly.Sadiq's rebels have taken over a florid Italian-style villa in Anadan, until recently occupied by regime officers. The Syrian army is encamped within jogging distance in the nearby Hraytan base; since pulling out it has targeted the building's new owners relentlessly.
Large chunks have been gnawed from the villa's yellow balustrades. The murky swimming pool round the back is untouched; two cats were mewling on Saturday in the ornate gardens.Large chunks have been gnawed from the villa's yellow balustrades. The murky swimming pool round the back is untouched; two cats were mewling on Saturday in the ornate gardens.
Despite the unpromising facts on the ground, the rebels were upbeat. "The [regime] army is sick. It is destroyed from inside. There is no power inside it," Abu Ahmed, another commander, explained.Despite the unpromising facts on the ground, the rebels were upbeat. "The [regime] army is sick. It is destroyed from inside. There is no power inside it," Abu Ahmed, another commander, explained.
Striking a vivid analogy, he added: "They have plenty of weapons from Russia. But this is like an injection into the arm of a dying man."Striking a vivid analogy, he added: "They have plenty of weapons from Russia. But this is like an injection into the arm of a dying man."
One fighter then showed off a large mortar that had landed on the terrace. "Don't worry. It didn't explode," he said.One fighter then showed off a large mortar that had landed on the terrace. "Don't worry. It didn't explode," he said.
3.46pm:This from AFP newswire who report that "a five-day Saudi fundraising campaign to support the people in Syria has raised more than $72.33 million, the kingdom's Interior Minister Prince Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz was quoted as saying Saturday."3.46pm:This from AFP newswire who report that "a five-day Saudi fundraising campaign to support the people in Syria has raised more than $72.33 million, the kingdom's Interior Minister Prince Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz was quoted as saying Saturday."
The campaign, launched on Monday, received donations worth 271.245 million riyals ($72.33 million), the state news agency SPA reported quoting Prince Ahmed.The campaign, launched on Monday, received donations worth 271.245 million riyals ($72.33 million), the state news agency SPA reported quoting Prince Ahmed.
The national fundraising effort saw a donation of 20 million riyals ($5.3 million) from King Abdullah.The national fundraising effort saw a donation of 20 million riyals ($5.3 million) from King Abdullah.
Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz, who is also deputy prime minister and defence minister, followed by donating 10 million riyals ($2.6 million).Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz, who is also deputy prime minister and defence minister, followed by donating 10 million riyals ($2.6 million).
The campaign also collected food, medical equipment, clothes, tents, blankets, and jewellery as part of its drive to support the people of Syria.The campaign also collected food, medical equipment, clothes, tents, blankets, and jewellery as part of its drive to support the people of Syria.
4.54pm: Luke Harding has also sent through some video of an interview with a captured member of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's notorious Shabiha militia.4.54pm: Luke Harding has also sent through some video of an interview with a captured member of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's notorious Shabiha militia.
The man who identified himself as Dawish Dado, 33, was recruited two months ago before being captured by the Free Syrian Army.The man who identified himself as Dawish Dado, 33, was recruited two months ago before being captured by the Free Syrian Army.
5.19pm: The French press is reporting that recently elected president, Francois Hollande has called on the UN security council to authorise intervention in Syria "as quickly as possible" to stop the country from descending into full blown "civil war"5.19pm: The French press is reporting that recently elected president, Francois Hollande has called on the UN security council to authorise intervention in Syria "as quickly as possible" to stop the country from descending into full blown "civil war"
"The role of the countries of the Security Council is to intervene as quickly as possible," he said warning that failure to do so would mean "chaos and civil war.""The role of the countries of the Security Council is to intervene as quickly as possible," he said warning that failure to do so would mean "chaos and civil war."
5.31pm: Two reports here worth flagging from CNN's Ivan Watson who is in Aleppo.5.31pm: Two reports here worth flagging from CNN's Ivan Watson who is in Aleppo.
In the most recent of his reports he describes the signs of a city under siege and the familiar site of families fleeing their homes with trucks loaded with mattresses and belongings.In the most recent of his reports he describes the signs of a city under siege and the familiar site of families fleeing their homes with trucks loaded with mattresses and belongings.
In the second video from yesterday, which is also worth watching, Watson shows just how deserted the outskirts of Aleppo were and also interviews rebels with a haul of weaponry.In the second video from yesterday, which is also worth watching, Watson shows just how deserted the outskirts of Aleppo were and also interviews rebels with a haul of weaponry.
5.40pm: We're going to wrap up this live blog now. Here's a summary of what has happened today..5.40pm: We're going to wrap up this live blog now. Here's a summary of what has happened today..
• Syrian government forces are currently battling rebels in the second and most populous city of Aleppo with tanks and helicopters. The main assault came after rebels pinned down military forces to their base in one corner of the city. • Syrian government forces are currently battling rebels in the second and most populous city of Aleppo with tanks and helicopters. The main assault came after rebels pinned down military forces to their base in one corner of the city.
• Information has been limited though video appears to show that rebels have had some successes in battling back against the air and ground assault.• Information has been limited though video appears to show that rebels have had some successes in battling back against the air and ground assault.
• Our own correspondent Luke Harding reports that "tens of thousands of civilians have fled" the area. • Our own correspondent Luke Harding reports that "tens of thousands of civilians have fled" the area.
• French President, Francois Hollande has called on the security council to intervene in Syrian "as quickly as possible".• French President, Francois Hollande has called on the security council to intervene in Syrian "as quickly as possible".
• Saudi Arabia's interior minister Prince Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz said that a five-day Saudi fundraising campaign to support the people in Syria has raised more than $72.33 million.• Saudi Arabia's interior minister Prince Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz said that a five-day Saudi fundraising campaign to support the people in Syria has raised more than $72.33 million.
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