Aleppo: four-front ground offensive

Pro-Syrian government forces attacked rebel-held areas of Aleppo on four fronts on Tuesday. It was their biggest ground assault since the military launched an offensive to reclaim the city last week, according to a Syrian rebel official.

350,000 people inside encircled eastern Aleppo as it is bombed and besieged by Putin's and Assad's forces. pic.twitter.com/tPuYylw1Ha— taim shami (@taimshamii) September 27, 2016


Syrian state television claims that government forces have advanced to near the city’s ancient citadel.

A humanitarian crisis

World Health Organisation spokeswoman, Fadela Chaib, outlined the gravity of the situation for civilians and aid workers saying: “The escalation of fighting in Aleppo is claiming more victims everyday. WHO is calling for an immediate establishment of humanitarian routes to evacuate sick and wounded from the eastern part of the city.
“We are talking about only 35 doctors left in east Aleppo to take care of hundreds of wounded people and the number is increasing.”

WHO:Only 7 hospitals remain in east #Aleppo some partially functional; civilians cant leave encircled city; dire need for medical supplies— Zeina Khodr (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) September 27, 2016


At least 200 civilians killed in #Aleppo under siege in the last week.
The few hospitals still active are overwhelmed by wounded#SaveAleppo pic.twitter.com/QK0y2mYpKv— Valerio De Cesaris (@ValerioDeC) September 27, 2016


Syrian an Russian warplanes and artillery bombarded several areas before ground forces were sent in to support the attacks.

Imagine living without running water, electricity, doctors. With daily fear of airstrikes & violences
This is #Aleppo.#SaveAleppo pic.twitter.com/qe0DO9kBai— Valerio De Cesaris (@ValerioDeC) September 27, 2016


Though increasingly treacherous for aid workers, getting assistance to Aleppo and helping civilians escape through humanitarian corridors remains a priority.