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Syria crisis: US fears Aleppo 'massacre' - live updates Syria crisis: US fears Aleppo 'massacre' - live updates
(40 minutes later)
2.12pm: The Free Syrian Army have surrounded the south-west Aleppo district of al-Ansari a resident told the Guardian, writes Rima Cherri.
Ahmad Mejbi said the rebels were placing road barriers in Salahaddine, which neighbours Ansari to the north.
Last night the government's forces bombed Jamil Qabbani school between 10pm and 11pm last night in the al-Mashhad, which is next to Ansari on the eastern side.
Today, there were helicopters around Salahaddine, Mashhad and Sukuri, in the south, he said.
Yesterday at 2pm Ahmad said he saw 24 buses packed with rebel fighters on a in Ansari.
2.04pm: Another dire warning about Aleppo, this time from British foreign secretary William Hague:
I am deeply concerned by reports that the Syrian government is amassing its troops and tanks around Aleppo, and has already begun a vicious assault on the city and its civilian population.
This utterly unacceptable escalation of the conflict could lead to a devastating loss of civilian life and a humanitarian disaster. It will add to the misery being endured by the Syrian people, and plunge the country further into catastrophic civil war.
The Assad regime must call off this assault. I call on all countries around the world, including the permanent members of the [UN] security council, to join us in condemning these latest actions and to insist on a political process to end the violence in Syria. All those with influence on the Syrian regime should bring it to bear now. No nation should stand silent while people in Aleppo are threatened with a potential massacre.
1.32pm: A British and a Dutch photographer have been freed after being being kidnapped in northern Syria, Radio Netherlands reports.1.32pm: A British and a Dutch photographer have been freed after being being kidnapped in northern Syria, Radio Netherlands reports.
Freelance photographers John Cantlie and Jeroen Oerlemans were abducted on July 19 and released yesterday. Radio Netherlands says:Freelance photographers John Cantlie and Jeroen Oerlemans were abducted on July 19 and released yesterday. Radio Netherlands says:
The abduction was kept secret at the families' request. The Dutch foreign ministry yesterday received confirmation that the two had been freed.The abduction was kept secret at the families' request. The Dutch foreign ministry yesterday received confirmation that the two had been freed.
Oerlemans is wounded but is understood to be in reasonable condition under the circumstances. He is now in Turkey and has had contact with his family ...Oerlemans is wounded but is understood to be in reasonable condition under the circumstances. He is now in Turkey and has had contact with his family ...
The Dutch Foreign ministry stressed that it was government policy never to pay a ransom or to negotiate with kidnappers. It is not yet known who was responsible for abducting the two journalists.The Dutch Foreign ministry stressed that it was government policy never to pay a ransom or to negotiate with kidnappers. It is not yet known who was responsible for abducting the two journalists.
1.09pm: Time for this week's protest banners from Kafranbel, in Idlib province.1.09pm: Time for this week's protest banners from Kafranbel, in Idlib province.
One of the banners reads: "Better to die on our feet than live on our knees."One of the banners reads: "Better to die on our feet than live on our knees."
Another says: "Ayatollah Lavrov's vetoes push us to have 23 million vetoes on future relations with Russia."Another says: "Ayatollah Lavrov's vetoes push us to have 23 million vetoes on future relations with Russia."
12.59pm: Turkey has set up a secret base in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and Qatar to direct military and communications aid to Syria's rebels, Reuters reports citing Gulf sources.12.59pm: Turkey has set up a secret base in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and Qatar to direct military and communications aid to Syria's rebels, Reuters reports citing Gulf sources.
The centre in Adana, a city in southern Turkey about 100 km (60 miles) from the Syrian border, was set up after Saudi deputy foreign minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Saud visited Turkey and requested it, a source in the Gulf said. The Turks liked the idea of having the base in Adana so that they could supervise its operations, he added.The centre in Adana, a city in southern Turkey about 100 km (60 miles) from the Syrian border, was set up after Saudi deputy foreign minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Saud visited Turkey and requested it, a source in the Gulf said. The Turks liked the idea of having the base in Adana so that they could supervise its operations, he added.
Reuters notes that Adana is home to Incirlik, a large Turkish/US airbase, and it is unclear whether the anti-Syrian "nerve centre" is located inside Incirlik base or in the city of Adana.Reuters notes that Adana is home to Incirlik, a large Turkish/US airbase, and it is unclear whether the anti-Syrian "nerve centre" is located inside Incirlik base or in the city of Adana.
However, a Doha-based source told Reuters: "The Americans are very hands-off on this. US intel(ligence) are working through middlemen. Middlemen are controlling access to weapons and routes."However, a Doha-based source told Reuters: "The Americans are very hands-off on this. US intel(ligence) are working through middlemen. Middlemen are controlling access to weapons and routes."
The source added that three governments – Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia – are providing weapons:The source added that three governments – Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia – are providing weapons:
All weaponry is Russian. The obvious reason is that these guys (the Syrian rebels) are trained to use Russian weapons, also because the Americans don't want their hands on it. All weapons are from the black market. The other way they get weapons is to steal them from the Syrian army. They raid weapons stores.All weaponry is Russian. The obvious reason is that these guys (the Syrian rebels) are trained to use Russian weapons, also because the Americans don't want their hands on it. All weapons are from the black market. The other way they get weapons is to steal them from the Syrian army. They raid weapons stores.
The source added: "The Turks have been desperate to improve their weak surveillance, and have been begging Washington for drones and surveillance." The pleas appear to have failed. "So they have hired some private guys come do the job."The source added: "The Turks have been desperate to improve their weak surveillance, and have been begging Washington for drones and surveillance." The pleas appear to have failed. "So they have hired some private guys come do the job."
12.50pm: Here's a summary of the latest developments on Syria:12.50pm: Here's a summary of the latest developments on Syria:
• Government forces appear to be preparing for a fully-fledged counter-offensive on Aleppo amid reports of a helicopter attack against a rebel-held districts. A source told a Guardian contact that 10,000 troops have been sent to regain control of rebel held towns around Aleppo and districts in the city itself. A pro-government Syrian daily, al-Watan, has described the military operation in the city of Aleppo as the "mother of the battles". The state news agency, Sana, said rebels were preparing to commit a massacre in Aleppo.• Government forces appear to be preparing for a fully-fledged counter-offensive on Aleppo amid reports of a helicopter attack against a rebel-held districts. A source told a Guardian contact that 10,000 troops have been sent to regain control of rebel held towns around Aleppo and districts in the city itself. A pro-government Syrian daily, al-Watan, has described the military operation in the city of Aleppo as the "mother of the battles". The state news agency, Sana, said rebels were preparing to commit a massacre in Aleppo.
• Safety fears have forced the Red Crescent to suspend some of its activities in Aleppo, as its partner organisation, the Red Cross, withdrew 13 staff from Damascus. A spokesman described the situation in Aleppo as "highly volatile".• Safety fears have forced the Red Crescent to suspend some of its activities in Aleppo, as its partner organisation, the Red Cross, withdrew 13 staff from Damascus. A spokesman described the situation in Aleppo as "highly volatile".
• UN human rights chief Navi Pillay has appealed to both Syrian government forces and rebels to spare civilians in Aleppo. She voiced deep concern at the "likelihood of an imminent major confrontation" in the city.• UN human rights chief Navi Pillay has appealed to both Syrian government forces and rebels to spare civilians in Aleppo. She voiced deep concern at the "likelihood of an imminent major confrontation" in the city.
• General Robert Mood, the former head of the UN monitoring mission in Syria, said it was "only a matter of time" before the Assad regime falls. Meanwhile, international envoy Kofi Annan is reported to be trying to forge a political solution to the crisis.• General Robert Mood, the former head of the UN monitoring mission in Syria, said it was "only a matter of time" before the Assad regime falls. Meanwhile, international envoy Kofi Annan is reported to be trying to forge a political solution to the crisis.
• The US says it fears that the Assad regime is "lining up" to commit a "massacre" in Aleppo, but it has repeated its reluctance to intervene in the conflict. Speaking to reporters, State department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland, said: "We have grave concerns about the situation in and around Aleppo."• The US says it fears that the Assad regime is "lining up" to commit a "massacre" in Aleppo, but it has repeated its reluctance to intervene in the conflict. Speaking to reporters, State department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland, said: "We have grave concerns about the situation in and around Aleppo."
• An MP from Aleppo province has become the first member of the newly elected, and largely loyal parliament, to defect. Ikhlas al-Badawi told Sky New Arabia: "I have crossed to Turkey and defected from this tyrannical regime ... because of the repression and savage torture against a nation demanding the minimum of rights."• An MP from Aleppo province has become the first member of the newly elected, and largely loyal parliament, to defect. Ikhlas al-Badawi told Sky New Arabia: "I have crossed to Turkey and defected from this tyrannical regime ... because of the repression and savage torture against a nation demanding the minimum of rights."
• Manaf Tlass, the most senior defector from the Assad regime so far, has held talks with Turkish foreign minister, as part of an apparent bid to try to form a transition government. Earlier he said would cooperate with every person who wants to rebuild Syria, "be it the [Syria] National Council or the Free Syria Army.• Manaf Tlass, the most senior defector from the Assad regime so far, has held talks with Turkish foreign minister, as part of an apparent bid to try to form a transition government. Earlier he said would cooperate with every person who wants to rebuild Syria, "be it the [Syria] National Council or the Free Syria Army.
• Human Rights Watch has called on the Syrian government to grant UN observers full access to Homs and Aleppo central prisons to check on prisoners who may be at risk of violent reprisals following prison riots earlier this week. Sarah Leah Whitson, the group's Middle East director, said: "The uncertainty surrounding the fate of inmates in Homs and Aleppo shows the urgent need for UN monitors to get inside these prisons and publicly report on their findings."• Human Rights Watch has called on the Syrian government to grant UN observers full access to Homs and Aleppo central prisons to check on prisoners who may be at risk of violent reprisals following prison riots earlier this week. Sarah Leah Whitson, the group's Middle East director, said: "The uncertainty surrounding the fate of inmates in Homs and Aleppo shows the urgent need for UN monitors to get inside these prisons and publicly report on their findings."
12.24pm: All Red Cross staff have been withdrawn from Aleppo and more staff are being pulled out of Damascus, the the International Committee of the Red Cross has announced.12.24pm: All Red Cross staff have been withdrawn from Aleppo and more staff are being pulled out of Damascus, the the International Committee of the Red Cross has announced.
A spokesman gave this summary:A spokesman gave this summary:
• The ICRC does not have a presence in Aleppo at the moment. The situation there is extremely volatile. Just as in Damascus and elsewhere, thousands of people have left their homes for safer places. Several schools in Aleppo have been opened to host displaced families, and the local SARC [Syrian Arab Red Crescent] volunteers have provided some relief items (mattresses, hygiene products and food). However, humanitarian needs are on the rise.• The ICRC does not have a presence in Aleppo at the moment. The situation there is extremely volatile. Just as in Damascus and elsewhere, thousands of people have left their homes for safer places. Several schools in Aleppo have been opened to host displaced families, and the local SARC [Syrian Arab Red Crescent] volunteers have provided some relief items (mattresses, hygiene products and food). However, humanitarian needs are on the rise.
• Unfortunately, because of the very tense and highly volatile situation, and because of a lack of respect for persons, vehicles and facilities displaying the Red Crescent emblem, SARC's Aleppo branch had to suspend some of its activities (particularly first aid services) and reduce others to a minimum as of 25 July.• Unfortunately, because of the very tense and highly volatile situation, and because of a lack of respect for persons, vehicles and facilities displaying the Red Crescent emblem, SARC's Aleppo branch had to suspend some of its activities (particularly first aid services) and reduce others to a minimum as of 25 July.
• Due to the deteriorating situation in Damascus and elsewhere in Syria, the ICRC is in the process of temporarily relocating 13 of its international staff from Damascus to Beirut, Lebanon. They will support their colleagues in Syria from Lebanon, and they will be back in Syria as soon as conditions allow.• Due to the deteriorating situation in Damascus and elsewhere in Syria, the ICRC is in the process of temporarily relocating 13 of its international staff from Damascus to Beirut, Lebanon. They will support their colleagues in Syria from Lebanon, and they will be back in Syria as soon as conditions allow.
• Some 50 staff, including 11 expatriate staff, remain based in Damascus. The ICRC is not suspending its activity in Syria and will continue to work in co-operation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to respond to the humanitarian needs of the civilian population affected by fighting.• Some 50 staff, including 11 expatriate staff, remain based in Damascus. The ICRC is not suspending its activity in Syria and will continue to work in co-operation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to respond to the humanitarian needs of the civilian population affected by fighting.
• We are seeking ways to ensure that the temporary relocation of some staff does not affect our capacity to deliver humanitarian assistance to those most in need.• We are seeking ways to ensure that the temporary relocation of some staff does not affect our capacity to deliver humanitarian assistance to those most in need.
12.19pm: The Syrian government is sending 10,000 troop reinforcements to a number of different areas of Aleppo province and the city itself, a security source told a contact who is currently in the coastal city of Latakia.12.19pm: The Syrian government is sending 10,000 troop reinforcements to a number of different areas of Aleppo province and the city itself, a security source told a contact who is currently in the coastal city of Latakia.
Our colleague Rima Cherri writes:Our colleague Rima Cherri writes:
He said the troops have been dispatched to several towns north of the city, including Azaz north of Aleppo, which fell to rebels last week, as well as Tall Rifat, and the north west suburb of Hraytan.He said the troops have been dispatched to several towns north of the city, including Azaz north of Aleppo, which fell to rebels last week, as well as Tall Rifat, and the north west suburb of Hraytan.
He said many of the troops been trained in conducting air drops.He said many of the troops been trained in conducting air drops.
"The regime aims to take control of this areas after gains by the Free Syrian Army," he said."The regime aims to take control of this areas after gains by the Free Syrian Army," he said.
He also confirmed that clashes have taken place in Salahaddine, the south-west district of Aleppo itself, as well as Hanano in the north-east.He also confirmed that clashes have taken place in Salahaddine, the south-west district of Aleppo itself, as well as Hanano in the north-east.
12.03pm: A pro-government Syrian daily, al-Watan, has described the military operation in the city of Aleppo as the "mother of the battles", Hezbollah's al-Manar website reports.12.03pm: A pro-government Syrian daily, al-Watan, has described the military operation in the city of Aleppo as the "mother of the battles", Hezbollah's al-Manar website reports.
The phrase was famously used by Saddam Hussein in 1991, shortly before Iraqi forces were driven out of Kuwait.The phrase was famously used by Saddam Hussein in 1991, shortly before Iraqi forces were driven out of Kuwait.
11.54am: International mediator Kofi Annan is still trying to forge a political solution to the Syria crisis despite being made a scapegoat for the failure of the two sides to agree, a source close to the mediation effort told Reuters today.11.54am: International mediator Kofi Annan is still trying to forge a political solution to the Syria crisis despite being made a scapegoat for the failure of the two sides to agree, a source close to the mediation effort told Reuters today.
Annan and UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon were meeting in London to discuss the future of mediation efforts and the UN observer mission, and the Syria "Action Group" may meet again soon, but not at ministerial level, the source said.Annan and UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon were meeting in London to discuss the future of mediation efforts and the UN observer mission, and the Syria "Action Group" may meet again soon, but not at ministerial level, the source said.
The source described the latest veto of a UN security council resolution on Syria as "a trainwreck", but said it was encouraging to see opposition figures coming together, although they needed to "hurry up" to form a cohesive group.The source described the latest veto of a UN security council resolution on Syria as "a trainwreck", but said it was encouraging to see opposition figures coming together, although they needed to "hurry up" to form a cohesive group.
11.51am: It is just a matter of time before President Assad's government falls, General Robert Mood, the former head of the UN monitoring mission in Syria, told Reuters today:11.51am: It is just a matter of time before President Assad's government falls, General Robert Mood, the former head of the UN monitoring mission in Syria, told Reuters today:
In my opinion it is only a matter of time before a regime that is using such heavy military power and disproportional violence against the civilian population is going to fall.In my opinion it is only a matter of time before a regime that is using such heavy military power and disproportional violence against the civilian population is going to fall.
11.42am: In a new video statement Riad al-Asaad, the Turkey-based leader of the FSA, said:11.42am: In a new video statement Riad al-Asaad, the Turkey-based leader of the FSA, said:
We are all united, whatever our religion or sect is. Our enemy is one and the danger falls on us all. We say to our Kurdish people, you are a group among the Syrian people. Don't follow those who want to divide us and waste the blood of our martyrs. We say we are Syrian first, then we say we are Arabs, and Turkmen, and Christians and other.We are all united, whatever our religion or sect is. Our enemy is one and the danger falls on us all. We say to our Kurdish people, you are a group among the Syrian people. Don't follow those who want to divide us and waste the blood of our martyrs. We say we are Syrian first, then we say we are Arabs, and Turkmen, and Christians and other.
11.40am: The Israeli military is reinforcing its security infrastructure between the occupied Golan Heights and Syria in anticipation of a potential influx of refugees or attempts by fighters to cross over the demarcation line, our Jerusalem-based reporter Harriet Sherwood writes.11.40am: The Israeli military is reinforcing its security infrastructure between the occupied Golan Heights and Syria in anticipation of a potential influx of refugees or attempts by fighters to cross over the demarcation line, our Jerusalem-based reporter Harriet Sherwood writes.
A fence which runs along the 1973 ceasefire line, drawn at the end of the Yom Kippur war, is being strengthened and surveillance equipment increased. According to one report in the Israel media, ditches have been dug to deter infiltrators. The Israeli Defence Forces is also reported to have raised its alert level and cancelled weekend leave in some units.A fence which runs along the 1973 ceasefire line, drawn at the end of the Yom Kippur war, is being strengthened and surveillance equipment increased. According to one report in the Israel media, ditches have been dug to deter infiltrators. The Israeli Defence Forces is also reported to have raised its alert level and cancelled weekend leave in some units.
The IDF is concerned that fighting between the Syrian regime and the opposition Free Syrian Army is moving closer to the Golan Heights. Defence minister Ehud Barak heard shelling and saw clouds of smoke while touring the Golan last week. Since his visit, some tourists have visited a viewing point near the Quneitra crossing to photograph and film military action in Syria.The IDF is concerned that fighting between the Syrian regime and the opposition Free Syrian Army is moving closer to the Golan Heights. Defence minister Ehud Barak heard shelling and saw clouds of smoke while touring the Golan last week. Since his visit, some tourists have visited a viewing point near the Quneitra crossing to photograph and film military action in Syria.
The IDF's main concern is attempts by "terrorist organisations" to cross into the Golan Heights, but it is also preparing for the possibility of refugees seeking a safe haven from the civil war.The IDF's main concern is attempts by "terrorist organisations" to cross into the Golan Heights, but it is also preparing for the possibility of refugees seeking a safe haven from the civil war.
11.39am: On the Telegraph's website, Michael Weiss looks at the recent agreement between Syria's two main Kurdish groups – the Kurdish National Council (KNC) and the Democratic Union party (PYD) – to set up a Supreme Kurdish Council with the aim of co-ordinating their efforts.11.39am: On the Telegraph's website, Michael Weiss looks at the recent agreement between Syria's two main Kurdish groups – the Kurdish National Council (KNC) and the Democratic Union party (PYD) – to set up a Supreme Kurdish Council with the aim of co-ordinating their efforts.
It remains to be seen whether they can work together harmoniously. Weiss points out that the PYD is the Syrian arm of the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) which Turkey considers a terrorist organisation. "Moreover," Weiss adds, "the PYD was formerly seen to have allied with Assad's military intelligence apparatus and suspicion is rife as to what its volte-face as a pro-revolutionary party represents."It remains to be seen whether they can work together harmoniously. Weiss points out that the PYD is the Syrian arm of the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) which Turkey considers a terrorist organisation. "Moreover," Weiss adds, "the PYD was formerly seen to have allied with Assad's military intelligence apparatus and suspicion is rife as to what its volte-face as a pro-revolutionary party represents."
However, Kurdish relations with the opposition Syrian National Council (SNC) seem to be improving. Abdulhakim Bashar, the former chairman of the KNC who now heads its foreign affairs committee, is quoted as saying:However, Kurdish relations with the opposition Syrian National Council (SNC) seem to be improving. Abdulhakim Bashar, the former chairman of the KNC who now heads its foreign affairs committee, is quoted as saying:
Our relation with the Syrian National Council is good. Despite the main role of the Muslim Brotherhood in the SNC, our communications with the various Syrian opposition factions have so far proved that the SNC is the most responsive frame and closest to our vision about the future of Syria and the strategy of solution for the Kurdish issue in spite of the other differences between us in many national issues.Our relation with the Syrian National Council is good. Despite the main role of the Muslim Brotherhood in the SNC, our communications with the various Syrian opposition factions have so far proved that the SNC is the most responsive frame and closest to our vision about the future of Syria and the strategy of solution for the Kurdish issue in spite of the other differences between us in many national issues.
I think the SNC is now working more realistically and with more responsibility than before, this could be because its new president is more familiar with the Syrian issues or perhaps the practical experiment of the SNC have given it more experience on various issues.I think the SNC is now working more realistically and with more responsibility than before, this could be because its new president is more familiar with the Syrian issues or perhaps the practical experiment of the SNC have given it more experience on various issues.
11.29am: The live streaming site Bambuser has broadcast footage showing a demonstration in Aleppo today.11.29am: The live streaming site Bambuser has broadcast footage showing a demonstration in Aleppo today.
One of the placards in the clip thanks a Free Syrian Army brigade, called "General Unity", for liberating the city.One of the placards in the clip thanks a Free Syrian Army brigade, called "General Unity", for liberating the city.
It gave today's date and gave the location as al-Shaar, a north east district of the city.It gave today's date and gave the location as al-Shaar, a north east district of the city.
11.02am: More on the defection of Aleppo MP Ikhlas al-Badawi. A clip of her interview on Sky News Arabia is available here. Rima Cherri translates her saying:11.02am: More on the defection of Aleppo MP Ikhlas al-Badawi. A clip of her interview on Sky News Arabia is available here. Rima Cherri translates her saying:
I have crossed to Turkey and defected from this tyrannical regime, because of the repression and savage torture against a nation demanding its basic rights.I have crossed to Turkey and defected from this tyrannical regime, because of the repression and savage torture against a nation demanding its basic rights.
What made me take this decision was the revolution and the legitimacy of the people and their right for freedom and dignity. People's demands to live as free citizens have prompted the use of every method of repression in order to silence these demands. Everyday, I see more massacres, it's happening on the land of Syria, with the use of strange machines and tools.What made me take this decision was the revolution and the legitimacy of the people and their right for freedom and dignity. People's demands to live as free citizens have prompted the use of every method of repression in order to silence these demands. Everyday, I see more massacres, it's happening on the land of Syria, with the use of strange machines and tools.
I have lived through this reality in my own town of al-Atareb [west of Aleppo]. I thought it is my duty to leave the regimeI have lived through this reality in my own town of al-Atareb [west of Aleppo]. I thought it is my duty to leave the regime
10.44am: There is some video corroboration for Javier Espinosa's report of a helicopter over Aleppo.10.44am: There is some video corroboration for Javier Espinosa's report of a helicopter over Aleppo.
The voice over on the clip gives today's date and adds: "Aircraft bomb in the neighbourhood of Salahaddine, in Aleppo."The voice over on the clip gives today's date and adds: "Aircraft bomb in the neighbourhood of Salahaddine, in Aleppo."
(Our colleague Rima Cherri provided the translation.)(Our colleague Rima Cherri provided the translation.)
10.40am: 10.39am: The government news agency Sana is back online this morning after a couple of days' absence, though pages are slow to load.10.40am: 10.39am: The government news agency Sana is back online this morning after a couple of days' absence, though pages are slow to load.
Sana's summary of yesterday's events talks of "qualitative and courageous operations" in al-Hajar al-Aswad and al-Yarmouk neighbourhoods in Damascus, where it says "terrorists were spreading inside the populated areas and taking civilians as human shields".Sana's summary of yesterday's events talks of "qualitative and courageous operations" in al-Hajar al-Aswad and al-Yarmouk neighbourhoods in Damascus, where it says "terrorists were spreading inside the populated areas and taking civilians as human shields".
Sana, along with many others, warns of an impending massacre in Aleppo (which it blames on terrorists):Sana, along with many others, warns of an impending massacre in Aleppo (which it blames on terrorists):
In Aleppo, the armed terrorist groups kidnapped civilians from al-Mashhad, Salaheddine, Saif al-Daula and al-Ansari neighborhoods in Aleppo preparing to commit another massacre against the Syrians.In Aleppo, the armed terrorist groups kidnapped civilians from al-Mashhad, Salaheddine, Saif al-Daula and al-Ansari neighborhoods in Aleppo preparing to commit another massacre against the Syrians.
Units from the armed forces clashed with armed terrorist groups in Salaheddine and al-Sukari neighbourhoods in Aleppo.Units from the armed forces clashed with armed terrorist groups in Salaheddine and al-Sukari neighbourhoods in Aleppo.
Sana's English-language Twitter feed sprang to live again yesterday evening after more than two days' silence.Sana's English-language Twitter feed sprang to live again yesterday evening after more than two days' silence.
10.36am: The Spanish journalist Javier Espinosa, who escaped from Homs earlier this year, is back in Syria to report the sound of a helicopter over Aleppo.10.36am: The Spanish journalist Javier Espinosa, who escaped from Homs earlier this year, is back in Syria to report the sound of a helicopter over Aleppo.
I can hear the sound of 1 helicopter shooting not far away,like in Gaza here you have always to be looking to the sky #Aleppo #SyriaI can hear the sound of 1 helicopter shooting not far away,like in Gaza here you have always to be looking to the sky #Aleppo #Syria
— JAVIER ESPINOSA (@javierespinosa2) July 27, 2012— JAVIER ESPINOSA (@javierespinosa2) July 27, 2012
10.17am: UN human rights chief Navi Pillay (pictured) has appealed to both Syrian government forces and rebels to spare civilians in Aleppo, voicing deep concern at the "likelihood of an imminent major confrontation" in the city.10.17am: UN human rights chief Navi Pillay (pictured) has appealed to both Syrian government forces and rebels to spare civilians in Aleppo, voicing deep concern at the "likelihood of an imminent major confrontation" in the city.
"Civilians and civilian objects – including homes and other property, businesses, schools and places of worship – must be protected at all times. All parties, including the government and opposition forces, must ensure that they distinguish between civilian and military targets," Pillay said in a statement reported by Reuters."Civilians and civilian objects – including homes and other property, businesses, schools and places of worship – must be protected at all times. All parties, including the government and opposition forces, must ensure that they distinguish between civilian and military targets," Pillay said in a statement reported by Reuters.
She said a "discernable pattern" had emerged as President Assad's forces attempt – using intense shelling, tank fire and door-to-door searches – to clear areas of Syria's biggest urban centre they say are occupied by insurgents.She said a "discernable pattern" had emerged as President Assad's forces attempt – using intense shelling, tank fire and door-to-door searches – to clear areas of Syria's biggest urban centre they say are occupied by insurgents.
"All this, taken along with the reported build-up of forces in and around Aleppo, bodes ill for the people of that city," Pillay said, adding that such attacks were also continuing in two other major cities, Homs and Deir al-Zor."All this, taken along with the reported build-up of forces in and around Aleppo, bodes ill for the people of that city," Pillay said, adding that such attacks were also continuing in two other major cities, Homs and Deir al-Zor.
She said her office had also been receiving an increasing number of reports of opposition fighters torturing or executing prisoners.She said her office had also been receiving an increasing number of reports of opposition fighters torturing or executing prisoners.
10.10am: An activist in Aleppo has been in touch with the Guardian to plead for help.10.10am: An activist in Aleppo has been in touch with the Guardian to plead for help.
Edwardedark contacted our Middle East editor Ian Black via Twitter to say:Edwardedark contacted our Middle East editor Ian Black via Twitter to say:
You must warn of an impending huge humanitarian disaster in Aleppo city if there is a large regime assault. Please, I'm talking thousands of lives here. Already we are without fuel, electricity, water, bread and other basics. An assault will kill thousands, all civilians.You must warn of an impending huge humanitarian disaster in Aleppo city if there is a large regime assault. Please, I'm talking thousands of lives here. Already we are without fuel, electricity, water, bread and other basics. An assault will kill thousands, all civilians.
9.02am: Violence in Aleppo has forced the the Red Crescent to suspend some of its activities in the city, a spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross told the Guardian.9.02am: Violence in Aleppo has forced the the Red Crescent to suspend some of its activities in the city, a spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross told the Guardian.
In an email he said:In an email he said:
I can confirm that the SARC [Syrian Arab Red Crescent] branch in Aleppo has had to suspend some of its activity (mainly first aid services) and reduce other work because of the situation in the city.I can confirm that the SARC [Syrian Arab Red Crescent] branch in Aleppo has had to suspend some of its activity (mainly first aid services) and reduce other work because of the situation in the city.
More details about the suspension are expected later today, he said.More details about the suspension are expected later today, he said.
8.48am: Defector Manaf Tlass, who met Turkey's foreign minister foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Thursday (pictured), is being groomed as Syria's Ahmed Chalabi, Dan Murphy argues in the Christian Science Monitor.8.48am: Defector Manaf Tlass, who met Turkey's foreign minister foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Thursday (pictured), is being groomed as Syria's Ahmed Chalabi, Dan Murphy argues in the Christian Science Monitor.
But he says that Tlass is unlikely to make it to power as Chalabi did in Iraq.But he says that Tlass is unlikely to make it to power as Chalabi did in Iraq.
Most people who follow Syria doubt the rebels who have been fighting since early last year against the Assad regime will have much time for Tlass ...Most people who follow Syria doubt the rebels who have been fighting since early last year against the Assad regime will have much time for Tlass ...
Tlass is a child of wealth and privilege, closely associated with the abuses of the Assad regime, who only recently jumped ship. His star is unlikely to rise as quickly among Syria's rebels as it did among the Baath regime he served for so long.Tlass is a child of wealth and privilege, closely associated with the abuses of the Assad regime, who only recently jumped ship. His star is unlikely to rise as quickly among Syria's rebels as it did among the Baath regime he served for so long.
8.26am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.8.26am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.
The main focus continues to be Syria's economic hub Aleppo where rebels remain braced for an assault by President Bashar al-Assad's forces amid mounting international fears over what could happen.The main focus continues to be Syria's economic hub Aleppo where rebels remain braced for an assault by President Bashar al-Assad's forces amid mounting international fears over what could happen.
Here's a roundup of the latest developments:Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
• Government forces still appear to be preparing for a fully-fledged counter-offensive on Aleppo after another day of artillery and helicopter fire against rebel-held districts. Syrian special forces had been deployed on the edge of town and more troops were due to arrive for an attack today or tomorrow, a state security source told the AFP news agency. One resident told the Guardian:• Government forces still appear to be preparing for a fully-fledged counter-offensive on Aleppo after another day of artillery and helicopter fire against rebel-held districts. Syrian special forces had been deployed on the edge of town and more troops were due to arrive for an attack today or tomorrow, a state security source told the AFP news agency. One resident told the Guardian:
We have a very bad feeling that things are going to turn into a catastrophe very soon with army reinforcements arriving already. We have the regime randomly shelling highly populated areas causing many casualties.We have a very bad feeling that things are going to turn into a catastrophe very soon with army reinforcements arriving already. We have the regime randomly shelling highly populated areas causing many casualties.
Hospitals are not coping. There is no bread or fuel. There are many displaced families staying on the streets or in parks, or in makeshift shelters in schools. They are very vulnerable. People are bracing themselves for the worst.Hospitals are not coping. There is no bread or fuel. There are many displaced families staying on the streets or in parks, or in makeshift shelters in schools. They are very vulnerable. People are bracing themselves for the worst.
• Aleppo is now a patchwork of localised conflict, with death and mayhem in one district and the appearance of something like normality in the next, Michael Peel reports for the Financial Times from inside the city.• Aleppo is now a patchwork of localised conflict, with death and mayhem in one district and the appearance of something like normality in the next, Michael Peel reports for the Financial Times from inside the city.
In the town centre, some shops were shuttered in the district around the Sheraton hotel and the Christian area of the old city, but there was still plenty of life among vendors who still felt sufficiently secure to fill the pavements with children's bikes and mannequins modelling tight women's jeans.In the town centre, some shops were shuttered in the district around the Sheraton hotel and the Christian area of the old city, but there was still plenty of life among vendors who still felt sufficiently secure to fill the pavements with children's bikes and mannequins modelling tight women's jeans.
In Salaheddin, by contrast, many residents have left and those who remain have become normalised to the lack of electricity, sporadic gunfire and the threat of what the rebel fighters say is an army base in a football stadium just outside the district's boundaries.In Salaheddin, by contrast, many residents have left and those who remain have become normalised to the lack of electricity, sporadic gunfire and the threat of what the rebel fighters say is an army base in a football stadium just outside the district's boundaries.
• The US says it fears that the Assad regime is "lining up" to commit a "massacre" in Aleppo, but it has repeated its reluctance to intervene in the conflict. Speaking to reporters, State department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland, said:• The US says it fears that the Assad regime is "lining up" to commit a "massacre" in Aleppo, but it has repeated its reluctance to intervene in the conflict. Speaking to reporters, State department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland, said:
We have grave concerns about the situation in and around Aleppo and obviously Damascus ... Aleppo has again ... been bombarded by Syrian fighter jets in the latest desperate effort of the Assad regime to hold onto control, and there are credible reports of columns of tanks prepared to attack the city.We have grave concerns about the situation in and around Aleppo and obviously Damascus ... Aleppo has again ... been bombarded by Syrian fighter jets in the latest desperate effort of the Assad regime to hold onto control, and there are credible reports of columns of tanks prepared to attack the city.
On military intervention, she said:On military intervention, she said:
We do not believe that pouring more fuel on this fire is going to save lives. The vast majority of Syrians continue not to want foreign military intervention, more weapons flowing into their country. Instead, they want an end to this violence, they want Assad to leave, they want the violence to end, and they want the political transition to begin.We do not believe that pouring more fuel on this fire is going to save lives. The vast majority of Syrians continue not to want foreign military intervention, more weapons flowing into their country. Instead, they want an end to this violence, they want Assad to leave, they want the violence to end, and they want the political transition to begin.
• Rebels in al-Bab, 20 miles east of Aleppo, face a dilemma over whether to join the battle for Aleppo or stay to defend the town from a possible counter-attack, Damien McElroy reports for the Telegraph. He writes:• Rebels in al-Bab, 20 miles east of Aleppo, face a dilemma over whether to join the battle for Aleppo or stay to defend the town from a possible counter-attack, Damien McElroy reports for the Telegraph. He writes:
The rebels who captured al-Bab are short of supplies. Individual fighters are forced to share assault rifles and often possess only a few dozen rounds of ammunition ...The rebels who captured al-Bab are short of supplies. Individual fighters are forced to share assault rifles and often possess only a few dozen rounds of ammunition ...
Outside Aleppo, even apparently straightforward mopping-up operations have exposed the rebels' weakness. When they attacked a police station near al-Bab, one fighter was killed and the rest declared failure and withdrew.Outside Aleppo, even apparently straightforward mopping-up operations have exposed the rebels' weakness. When they attacked a police station near al-Bab, one fighter was killed and the rest declared failure and withdrew.


• UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon used a memorial service to the victims of the 1995 massacre in Srebrenica to invoke the international community's duty to protect civilians in Syria. He said:

• UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon used a memorial service to the victims of the 1995 massacre in Srebrenica to invoke the international community's duty to protect civilians in Syria. He said:
The international community must be united not to see any further bloodshed in Syria because I do not want to see any of my successors, after 20 years, visiting Syria, apologizing for what we could have done now to protect the civilians in Syria – which we are not doing now.The international community must be united not to see any further bloodshed in Syria because I do not want to see any of my successors, after 20 years, visiting Syria, apologizing for what we could have done now to protect the civilians in Syria – which we are not doing now.
• An MP from Aleppo province has become the first member of the newly elected, and largely loyal parliament, to defect. Ikhlas al-Badawi told Sky New Arabia: "I have crossed to Turkey and defected from this tyrannical regime ... because of the repression and savage torture against a nation demanding the minimum of rights."• An MP from Aleppo province has become the first member of the newly elected, and largely loyal parliament, to defect. Ikhlas al-Badawi told Sky New Arabia: "I have crossed to Turkey and defected from this tyrannical regime ... because of the repression and savage torture against a nation demanding the minimum of rights."
• Manaf Tlass, the most senior defector from the Assad regime so far, has held talks with Turkish officials in Ankara, as part of an apparent bid to try to form a transition government, the Turkish newspaper Zaman reports. Earlier he said would cooperate with every person who wants to rebuild Syria, "be it the [Syria] National Council or the Free Syria Army.• Manaf Tlass, the most senior defector from the Assad regime so far, has held talks with Turkish officials in Ankara, as part of an apparent bid to try to form a transition government, the Turkish newspaper Zaman reports. Earlier he said would cooperate with every person who wants to rebuild Syria, "be it the [Syria] National Council or the Free Syria Army.
• Human Rights Watch has called on the Syrian government to grant UN observers full access to Homs and Aleppo central prisons to check on prisoners who may be at risk of violent reprisals following prison riots earlier this week. Sarah Leah Whitson, the group's Middle East director, said: "The uncertainty surrounding the fate of inmates in Homs and Aleppo shows the urgent need for UN monitors to get inside these prisons and publicly report on their findings."• Human Rights Watch has called on the Syrian government to grant UN observers full access to Homs and Aleppo central prisons to check on prisoners who may be at risk of violent reprisals following prison riots earlier this week. Sarah Leah Whitson, the group's Middle East director, said: "The uncertainty surrounding the fate of inmates in Homs and Aleppo shows the urgent need for UN monitors to get inside these prisons and publicly report on their findings."