Battle for Aleppo

Syrian, revolutionary and Kurdish forces continue to battle for control of Aleppo, Syria’s most populous city, preventing food and medical aid from reaching the two million civilians trapped there. 


On Sept. 19, 18 civilians were killed when a Red Crescent aid convoy taking food and supplies to Aleppo was bombed. The US blamed Russia or Syria for the bombing, but Russia claimed it was done by a US-operated drone.


In September, Syrian forces with the backing of Russian air strikes increased their attacks against rebel positions in the east of the city. An estimated 2,700 people have been killed since the beginning of that operation. 


Rebels launched a counterattack on Oct. 28, targeting government positions with missiles and car bombs. At least 15 civilians were killed in the attack.


Both government and rebel forces have been accused of targeting civilians. Rebels and aid workers have accused Syria of attacking rebel positions using cluster bombs and chlorine gas, the use of which are banned by international law and considered war crimes.