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It's some of the worst bloodshed the Syrian town of Aleppo has seen in months.
Human rights activists say this is aftermath of government air raids Sunday. They say at
least 83 people died, including more than two dozen children when Syrian regime aircraft
pounded the city with barrels packed with explosives. (Via Channel 4 / Aleppo Media
Center)
These barrels bombs can be filled with flammable material like *** and dropped from the
air, often with little regard for any specific target. (Via ITN SaveFrom.net)
In the past, the U.S. State Department has recognized their use by Syrian President Bashar
al-Assad's troops. But his government says this latest attack in Aleppo was the work
of terrorists, not regime forces. (CBS SaveFrom.net)
Aleppo, Syria's biggest and wealthiest city, has been at the heart of this now two-and-a-half
year conflict, and is used to this kind of violence.
The city is divided between rebel forces and the government. Last year, the opposition
launched an offensive against Assad's troops in the city, and it appeared they were gaining
ground. (Via BBC)
But in recent weeks, the momentum has swung in the other direction. Forces loyal to Assad
stepped up their attacks producing somewhat of a stalemate in the struggle for this strategic
city. (Via Shahba Press SaveFrom.net)
"You do get, you know, areas that the rebel team conquers or reconquers, and then areas
that the rebels take back. A stalemate doesn't meet there's no fighting." (Via BBC)
And while that remains to be seen, it is clear the worsening violence has made neighborhoods
and even schools the new frontline.
As one Syrian activist put it: "Everyone is looking up at the skies and watching the planes.
But there's nothing to be done." (Via The Daily Star)