|
http://www.un.org Syria: UN observers concerned over escalation of violence in city of Homs
11 June 2012 – Amidst reports of heavy fighting, United Nations observers in Syria are concerned over the escalation of violence in the city of Homs, a Syrian opposition stronghold. “UN observers reported heavy fighting in Rastan and Talbiseh, north of the city, with artillery and mortar shelling, as well as firing from helicopters, machine guns and smaller arms,” the spokesperson for the UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS), Sausan Ghosheh, said in a statement today. “In Talbiseh, UN observers reported that the Free Syrian Army captured Syrian Army soldiers,” she added. “The impact from heavy artillery shelling and machine gun firing was heard and seen over the neighbourhood of Khaldiyeh in the city centre.” UNSMIS has also received reports of a large number of civilians, including women and children trapped inside the town, and are trying to mediate their evacuation. Its observers have not yet been able to confirm reports on the number of casualties. “UNSMIS calls on all sides to stop the killing and human rights abuses, to ensure the protection of civilians and to respect international law,” Ms. Ghosheh said, adding that the Mission further calls on the parties to grant UNSMIS observers immediate and unfettered access to conflict zones.
|
_0509_-_Assalto_copti.jpg){kind=link}