The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) said that it had documented the killing of 102 rescue workers of the Syrian Civil defense Corps by regime and Russian forces in the liberated areas. The Network pointed out that it recorded 62 attacks on civil defense centers and teams by regime and Russian forces, describing these attacks as deliberate.
In a report released on Sunday, the Network pointed out that the Assad regime’s use of heavy weapons, such as tanks and artillery since the summer of 2011, and later air force and missiles since the beginning of 2012, has caused a frightening rise in killings and destruction.
The report, titled White Helmets and Hands, said that hundreds of people died under the rubble of bombed buildings because of the delays in removing debris or in providing basic aid to the victims. All this led to the birth of the Civil Defense Corps, also known as the White Helmets.
The report also said that indiscriminate, deliberate, and disproportionate attacks are considered illegal under international humanitarian law. The attacks by regime and Russian forces on civil defense centers and teams represent a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes.
The Assad regime and Russian jets meanwhile intensified attacks on Aleppo earlier today. Activists said that the airstrikes were concentrated on the neighborhoods of Alhaydariya, Karm Altarrab and Alrashideen as well as on Aljandoul roundabout area, Handarat, and the Castello road. Dozens of airstrikes also targeted the towns of Kafar Hamra, Hreitan, Al’eis, Khan Touman, Alzorba, Khan Alasal, and Kafrnaha in rural Aleppo. The airstrikes caused massive material damage, with no civilian casualties as of yet reported.
Regime forces also escalated bombardment on rebel-held areas around Damascus, especially on the towns of Daraya and Khan Alsheeh south of Damascus. Regime forces also stepped up attacks on Alhoula area in northern rural Homs, killing and injuring a number of civilians and causing massive damage to civilian homes and public facilities. (Source: Syrian Coalition)
