UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Syria following a recent surge in violence across the northwest region.
In a statement released during a daily press briefing on Monday, Guterres expressed deep concern over the intensified attacks by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the Security Council, and its allied opposition factions. The offensive has primarily targeted Aleppo, shifting previously static front lines since 2020.
The escalation has resulted in significant civilian casualties, the displacement of tens of thousands of people, and extensive damage to essential infrastructure, disrupting critical services and humanitarian aid. \"Syrians have endured conflict for nearly 14 years. They deserve a political horizon that will deliver a peaceful future, not more bloodshed,\" Guterres emphasized.
Guterres reminded all parties of their obligations under international law, including humanitarian law, and urged a swift return to the UN-facilitated political process as outlined in Security Council resolution 2254 (2015).
In response to the rebel offensive, the Syrian army reported repelling major attacks in the northern countryside of west-central Hama Province, regaining control over key areas temporarily seized by opposition forces.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights highlighted that rebel factions under the banner of \"Deterring the Aggression\" conducted rocket attacks on Hama's al-Baath neighborhood, resulting in six civilian deaths and multiple injuries. Additionally, air defenses in Hama intercepted drones flying over the city, although further details were not disclosed.
Last Wednesday, rebel groups launched a significant offensive in Aleppo's western countryside, quickly seizing large parts of the city and advancing toward Hama by Sunday. In retaliation, the Syrian army intensified operations in Aleppo and Idlib provinces, claiming to have eliminated over 400 militants within 24 hours with support from Russian forces.
Guterres called on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including allowing safe passage for those fleeing the violence, and stressed the urgent need for comprehensive engagement with his special envoy for Syria to establish a path out of the conflict.
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UN chief calls for immediate cessation of hostilities in Syria
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