video documents transitional govt. factions targeting Internal Security checkpoint in Aleppo

Factions affiliated with the transitional government in Syria have once again escalated their attacks against the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo, shelling several areas in the two neighborhoods. The Internal Security Forces in Aleppo documented how these factions targeted one of their positions.

In a brief statement, the Internal Security Forces said: “A video documented with visual evidence proves that the attack was launched by factions affiliated with the Damascus government against an Internal Security Forces checkpoint near the Sheikh An roundabout in Aleppo using RPG shells, and conclusively refutes the allegations attempting to hold our forces responsible for initiating the escalation.”

These documented scenes confirm that the Damascus government and its factions show no concern for stability or for the lives of civilians. Instead, they pursue a policy of manufacturing crises and creating tension, in clear disregard of all international efforts aimed at de-escalation. Their factions carried out a direct attack on an Internal Security Forces checkpoint, followed by shelling of safe residential neighborhoods with artillery and heavy machine guns, in an overt attempt to drag our forces into escalation, with no regard for the risks this behavior poses to civilians or for its humanitarian and legal consequences. “We place these facts before public opinion and international forces and organizations.”

On December 22, factions affiliated with the transitional government in Syria launched attacks against the two neighborhoods, resulting in the death of a woman and injuries to 19 civilians and six members of the Internal Security Forces. Several parties intervened to de-escalate, and understandings were reached to prevent further escalation. However, the transitional government factions have not adhered to these understandings.

A-H 

ANHA