UN: Airstrikes by Syrian Government and Allies Main Cause of Increased Civilian Deaths

The United Nations investigative committee on the Syrian crisis criticized all parties involved in the civil war in a recent report released on September 7, stating that airstrikes by Syrian government forces and the Russian air force are the primary cause of increased civilian deaths in the country. According to AFP, Wit Montarborn, one of the UN inspectors, told reporters that airstrikes by 'the forces allied with the Syrian government... have left the highest number of casualties among civilians, especially in Idlib and Aleppo, and have caused the most damage to civilian areas.' Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, the head of the UN commission, explained in response to reporters' questions regarding 'the allies of the Syrian government' in the airstrikes that 'Russia and the Syrian army' are present in the skies. UN representatives stated that the bombings carried out by the forces allied with the Syrian government have led to the destruction of more than 20 hospitals and aid centers since January, just in Aleppo province. The UN inspection team also criticized all parties involved in the Syrian civil war, stating that the number of deliberate attacks on civilians has increased, and the parties have obstructed humanitarian aid, attacked aid workers, engaged in kidnappings, and carried out extrajudicial executions. The UN has repeatedly called for a sustainable ceasefire in Syria. This report comes after a new round of negotiations between senior US and Russian officials aimed at cooperating to maintain the ceasefire in Syria ended without reaching an agreement. The special UN commission expressed regret over the increase in violence since March, especially noting that the ceasefire established in February had clearly revived hopes among civilians. The UN inspection team expressed concern over widespread torture in Syria, stating that it is nearly impossible to find someone released from state prisons who has not been subjected to severe torture. According to this commission, sexual assault and severe violence during arrests, especially by state forces, have become a routine occurrence. The team reported on extrajudicial killings, including deaths during detention or immediate executions. The UN once again called for an end to the siege of civilians and access to them, stating that 600,000 people are in a 'terrible' situation. There are 'deep concerns' regarding the situation of 300,000 people in the rebel-controlled area in Aleppo that is besieged by government forces. This commission stated that it is also conducting investigations into new allegations related to the use of chemical weapons and has credible evidence regarding one of these attacks.