News: Aleppo civilians facing execution plead, 'Oh, God, help us'

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As government forces reclaim the last portions of Aleppo held by rebel forces, Syrian civilians describe what may be their final moments in social media posts and telephone calls. USA TODAY

EPA EPASELECT SYRIA CONFLICT ALEPPO BATTLE WAR ARMED CONFLICT SYR

Citizens celebrate in a street in Aleppo, Syria, Dec. 12, 2016 as the army recaptured al-Sheik Saeed and al-Sukkari neighborhoods from rebels. (Photo: STRINGER, EPA)

ISTANBUL — Desperate Syrians trapped in besieged eastern Aleppo see death on their doorstep and are describing what may be their final moments in social media posts and telephone calls.

"At home waiting for the inevitable fate that Allah wills," Salah Ashkar, 28, said in a telephone call, his voice quaking as Syrian government forces moved in to reclaim the last portions of Aleppo held by rebel forces.

"I can't see what is happening in street, but I hear bombs approaching," Ashkar, a graduate of the University of Aleppo in finance and banking, told USA TODAY. "There is no safe building left. Possible that we (will be) exposed to bombing any moment."

USA TODAY

Nearly half a million killed. And Syria civil war is far from over

Ashkar, who has been posting videos of the carnage, said Syrian troops were executing civilians on the streets, including women and children. Similar allegations have been reported by other residents to the United Nations and activists in Aleppo, where Syrian government forces said they are in the last stages of taking full control of the key northern Syrian city from rebels.

Syrian rebels reached a cease-fire deal to evacuate from east Aleppo in a surrender on Tuesday, as Russia declared all military action had stopped and the Syrian government had assumed control of the former rebel enclave, the Associated Press reported.

Damascus confirmed the evacuation deal and the U.N. envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, told the AP in a text message that the safe withdrawal of people from the besieged area was now “imminent.” He was at the Security Council where an emergency meeting for Aleppo was underway.

'Everyone is dying. I will soon die, too'

"Where are our supporters?" asked Radhwan Salem, 60. "Believers in humanity, I don't understand how can the entire world (can) watch this and do nothing. Oh, God, help us."

"We are not afraid of death, and we have no demands," said Salem. "We only want freedom for us, and to rob it from (Syrian President Bashar) Assad. I have lived my life in this city, I raised my children and their children here. I am ready to give my life defending my family."

Abdulla Saleem, 39, a doctor who is living in the bombed out remains of a building, said via WhatsApp, "They are killing everyone. ... My friends are doctors, who were providing the only possible medical care to the injured. Now they are butchered. Everyone is dying. I will soon die, too."

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Devastating images of war-torn Syria

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Syrians leave a rebel-held area of Aleppo towards the government-held side during an operation by Syrian government forces to retake the embattled city Dec. 13, 2016. Karam Al-Masri, AFP/Getty Images

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A member of the Syrian pro-government forces holding a Palestinian flag and flashing the sign for victory as he stands on the roof of the ancient Umayyad mosque in the old city of Aleppo Dec 13, 2016. George Ourfalian, AFP/Getty Images

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Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood on Dec. 13, 2016, after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters. AFP/Getty Images

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A Syrian army soldier places a Syrian national flag during a battle with rebel fighters at the Ramouseh front line, east of Aleppo, Syria, Dec. 5, 2016. Hassan Ammar, AP

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Free Syrian Army fighters run away after attacking a Syrian Army tank during fighting in the Izaa district in Aleppo, Syria, Sept. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Manu Brabo, File) ORG XMIT: NYAG501 Manu Brabo, AP

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Children play on a trampoline during the second day of Eid Al Adha in Douma, outside Damascus, Syria, Sept 13, 2016. Eid al-Adha is the holiest of the two Muslims holidays celebrated each year and marks the yearly Muslim pilgrimage (Hajj) to visit Mecca, the holiest place in Islam. Mohammed Badra, European Pressphoto Agency

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A Syrian man walks past a bus set ablaze following a reported air strike in the rebel-held Salaheddin district of Aleppo on Sept. 25, 2016. Ameer Alhalbi, AFP/Getty Images

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Jameel Mustafa Habboush, a young Syrian boy receives oxygen as he is pulled from the rubble of a building following Russian airstrikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo on October 11, 2016. Thaer Mohammed, AFP/Getty Images

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A Syrian family leaves the area following a reported airstrike on Sept. 23, 2016, on the al-Muasalat area in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. Thaer Mohammed, AFP/Getty Images

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An injured Syrian man receives treatment at a hospital following a reported air strike on the rebel-held northwestern city of Idlib on Sept. 29, 2016. Numerous doctors and nurses and medical facilities have been hit or targeted by missiles or air strikes since the start of the conflict in Syria in March 2011. Omar Haj Kadour, AFP/Getty Images

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Syrian civilians and rescuers gather at the site of government forces air strikes in the rebel held neighborhood of Al-Shaar in Aleppo on Sept. 27, 2016. Karam Al-Masri, AFP/Getty Images

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Syrians react as the bodies of children are pulled from the rubble of a budling following government forces air strikes in the rebel held neighborhood of Al-Shaar in Aleppo on Sept. 27, 2016. Karam Al-Masri, AFP/Getty Images

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A Syrian boy rides a bicycle past a destroyed building in the rebel-held city of Daraa, in southwestern Syria on Sept. 27, 2016. Mohamad Abazeed, AFP/Getty Images

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Aleppo's citadel is seen through destruction in this picture taken on Sept. 28, 2016, in the Farafira district, northwest of the city's historic citadel, after Syria's army took control of the rebel-held district after days of heavy air strikes that have killed dozens and sparked allegations of war crimes. Georges Ourfalian, AFP/Getty Images

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Children sit on a carousel in Douma, outside Damascus, Syria, on Sept 13, 2016. Mohammed Badra, European Pressphoto Agency

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A United Nations-backed three-phase agreement initiated in 2015 was behind the evacuation of hundreds of residents from this neighborhood in Homs, Syria, on Sept. 19, 2016. Youssef Badawi, European Pressphoto Agency

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The damaged city of Homs, Syria, on Sept. 19, 2016. Youssef Badawi, European Pressphoto Agency

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A man rides a motorcycles in Homs, Syria, on Sept. 16, 2016. Youssef Badawi, European Pressphoto Agency

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Children play on a trampoline outside Damascus, Syria, Sept 13, 2016. Mohammed Badra, European Pressphoto Agency

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Members of a Civil Defense group and residents inspect damaged buildings in the Bustan al-Qasr neighborhood in Aleppo, Syria, on Sept. 25, 2016. AP

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A boy carries his belongings as he leaves the Moadamiyeh suburb of Damascus, Syria, on Sept. 2, 2016. AP

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Damaged buildings and rubble line a street in Homs, Syria, Sept. 19, 2016. STR, AP

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Civilians watch a tractor clear the rubble following Syrian government forces airstrikes in the rebel held neighborhood of Tariq a-Bab in Aleppo, on Sept. 24, 2016. Thaer Mohammed, AFP/Getty Images

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A man carries a baby after removing him from the rubble of a destroyed building following an airstrike in the Qatarji neighborhood of the northern city of Aleppo on Sept. 21, 2016. Ameer Alhalbi, AFP/Getty Images

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A wounded man and a child walk away as others help a victim at the scene of an air strike on the rebel-held northwestern city of Idlib on Sept. 10, 2016. Omar Haj Kadour, AFP/Getty Images

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Syrian government soldiers walk in the damaged al-Farafira Souk in the government-held side of Aleppo's historic city center Sept. 16, 2016. Violence broke out in Aleppo in mid-2012, more than a year after anti-government protests first erupted across Syria. More than five years of war have turned Aleppo, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site home to an imposing citadel, into a makeshift military barracks. Youssef Karwashan, AFP/Getty Images

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A boy sits amidst destruction in the capital of Damascus on July 5, 2016. Amer Almohibany, AFP/Getty Images

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A girl walks amidst destruction during an activity organized by a charity group in Jobar, a rebel-held district on the eastern outskirts of the capital Damascus July 5, 2016. Amer Almohibany, AFP/Getty Images

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A man rides his bicycle in the al-Qaboun rebel-held northeastern suburb of the capital Damascus on March 13, 2016. Abd Doumany, AFP/Getty Images

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"All the doctors at Al-Hayat (field medical clinic) have been executed," said Abu Zubair, 29. "My friends have given their blood. They have fought the fight they chose, for the humanity."

"My wife was killed separately in a bomb, but before that my children were killed in an attack," said Zubair. "They died because we couldn't pull them out of the rubble."

"My friends will defend Aleppo to the death," said Mohsin Salem, 33. "To the world outside of Aleppo, to the United States, I don't want to say anything more than stand by Aleppo. And if we all die, remember us."

Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the U.N. human rights office, told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday that the office received reports that pro-government forces entering former rebel enclaves in eastern Aleppo killed at least 82 civilians, including 11 women and 13 children.

"We're filled with the deepest foreboding for those who remain in this last hellish corner," Colville said.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement late Monday he was alarmed over reports of atrocities against a large number of civilians, including women and children. He stressed that the United Nations was not able to independently verify these reports. The Syrian government did not immediately comment.

Speaking in the recaptured Sheikh Saeed district on Monday, Lieutenant General Zaid al-Saleh, the head of the government's Aleppo security committee, said: "The battle in eastern Aleppo should end quickly. They (rebels) don't have much time. They either have to surrender or die," Reuters reported.

USA TODAY

Hellish conditions engulf east Aleppo, while life goes on in the west

Retaking Aleppo, once Syria's largest city and commercial capital, would be a major victory for Assad in his five-year-old civil war, which has turned in his favor since Russia's military came to his support this year.

We are appalled by reports of reprisals in #Aleppo and call for protection of those besieged and forced to flee pic.twitter.com/aML096qbPg
— UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) December 13, 2016

The International Committee of the Red Cross warned that thousands of lives are in danger.

CNN reported Monday that relatives of rebels from the Free Syrian Army were executed by government troops, according to activist Mohammad Basbous of the Aleppo Media Center. Activists in the remaining rebel enclave said at least 79 civilians were executed by pro-government militias in the Fardous and Saliheen areas, Reuters reported.

USA TODAY

Aleppo would be major victory for Assad regime and weaken rebel forces

USA TODAY

Doctor: Aleppo hospital where I worked is in ruins

USA TODAY

Syrian military says it controls 98% of east Aleppo

USA TODAY

Boy, dazed and bloodied, becomes the face of Aleppo

The White Helmets, a volunteer civil defense and rescue service operating in Aleppo and other aid groups appealed for the international community to put in place a humanitarian corridor to allow 100,000 civilians to flee, Reuters said.

“If we stay, we fear for our lives. The women may be taken to camps, the men disappeared and anyone who is known to have supported civilians will face detention or execution,” the organization said in a statement late Monday.

Marianne Gasser, the Red Cross’ head of delegation in Syria, appealed Tuesday to the parties involved “to put humanity ahead of military objectives."

“We stand ready to oversee the implementation of any mutual agreement that puts civilians first. We cannot urge this strongly enough: this must happen now,” she said in a statement.

Contributing: Jane Onyanga-Omara in London

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Syrian regime accused of slaughtering civilians as Aleppo nears fall | 1:06

The U.N. Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement on Tuesday that at least 82 civilians had reportedly been killed by forces supporting the regime of President Bashar Assad in Aleppo Time

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Syrians trapped in Aleppo plead for help on social media | 0:49

As government forces reclaim the last portions of Aleppo held by rebel forces, Syrian civilians describe what may be their final moments in social media posts and telephone calls. USA TODAY

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Syrian army evacuates residents of recaptured Aleppo old city | 1:27

Syria's army took control of all of Aleppo's Old City as rebels retreated in the face of an offensive that has seen troops make significant gains in opposition territory. Video provided by AFP Newslook

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR ISIS Has Recaptured Palmyra, Syrian Activists Say | 0:43

ISIS militants seized the ancient Syrian town of Palmyra on Sunday from government troops despite a wave of Russian airstrikes, a major advance after a year of setbacks in Syria and neighboring Iraq. Time

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Raw: Aid convoy hit by airstrike near Aleppo | 0:57

Syria's cease-fire has faltered further after an aid convoy was hit by airstrikes, with activists saying a number of people were killed in the attack, mostly truck drivers and Red Crescent workers. (Sept. 20) AP

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Raw: Coalition airstrike destroys 168 Da'esh oil tankers | 0:28

Operation Inherent Resolve supported Iraqi security forces with airstrikes Dec. 8, 2016 that aimed to destroy 168 Da'esh oil tanker trucks in central Syria to degrade Da'esh revenue sources to fund terrorism. DVIDS

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR What it's like for a 7-year-old living in a war zone | 1:23

Bana is a 7-year-old girl living in war-torn Syria. She started tweeting about her daily life, showing devastating images of the bombings happening near her and her family. Upworthy

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Kerry to try again with Russia on Syria talks | 0:57

US Secretary of State John Kerry says he will try to get Syrian peace talks going again with Russia's help as government forces closed in on rebels in the besieged city of Aleppo. Video provided by AFP Newslook

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR The U.S. is sending 200 more troops to Syria to battle ISIS | 0:38

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Saturday that as many as 200 more American troops are being sent to Syria to help Kurdish and Arab fighters capture the ISIS group’s key stronghold of Raqqa. Time

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR These women are fighting ISIS | 1:04

Women fighters aren't uncommon in Iraq and Syria, but one has turned to some pretty extreme methods. Video provided by Newsy Newslook

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Airstrikes hit aid Convoy in Syria | 0:51

Airstrikes hit a U.N. Humanitarian convoy in Syria on Monday. At least 12 people are reported dead, mostly humanitarian aid workers. It is unclear who launched the attack, although Russian and Syrian aircraft are known to operate in the area. (Sept. 20) AP

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Google to help George and Amal Clooney educate Syrian refugee children in Lebanon | 0:39

George and Amal Clooney are launching an ambitious initiative to educate Syrian refugee children in Lebanon - and they are getting started with a big injection of cash and brain power from Google. USA TODAY

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Kerry: Syria Truce 'Holding but Fragile' | 0:23

Calling the Syrian ceasefire "fragile," Secretary of State John Kerry says humanitarian aid trucks are moving to some beseiged cities. (Sept. 19) AP

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Syrian ceasefire on brink of collapse | 0:38

For the first time in nearly a week, strikes hit rebel-held areas of Aleppo following a U.S.-led raid that killed scores of Syrian regime soldiers. The US has said it believed it was striking Islamic State group fighters. Video provided by AFP Newslook

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Soldiers replace tourists in Aleppo's battered old city | 2:29

Instead of colourful, handmade caps for sale to Syrians and foreign tourists, Zakaria Mosuli -- the last tailor in Aleppo's battered Old City -- now sews military headwear almost exclusively for soldiers. Video provided by AFP Newslook

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Raw: UN Cars Enter Syria, Aid Stuck At Border | 1:00

Cars emblazoned with the logo of the United Nations were seen crossing from Turkey into Syria via the Cilvegozu border gate on Saturday. UN aid trucks have been stuck in the customs area for several days, waiting to deliver aid in Syria. (Sept. 17) AP

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR UN urges Syria regime to allow aid deliveries | 1:07

The UN Syria envoy urges the Damascus government to allow humanitarian aid deliveries indicating the regime has broken its pledges on the distribution of life-saving supplies. Video provided by AFP Newslook

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR What is happening in the Syrian Civil War | 2:15

Foreign affairs reporter Oren Dorell explains who is fighting whom in the five-year Syrian Civil War in two minutes. USA TODAY

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR US-Russia plan 'may be last chance to save Syria, says Kerry | 1:01

US Secretary of State John Kerry urges Syria's warring parties to observe a US-Russian brokered ceasefire and warned it could be a last chance to save the country. Video provided by AFP Newslook

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Another cease-fire begins in Syria | 1:33

The cease-fire began Monday at sundown, and Secretary of State John Kerry is cautiously optimistic. Video provided by Newsy Newslook

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Syria truce: Calm has returned to rebel-held parts of Aleppo | 0:37

In Aleppo's rebel-held neighbourhoods, residents experience a rare day of calm following the implementation of a ceasefire billed as the "last chance" for peace in Syria. Video provided by AFP Newslook

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Dozens treated for breathing problems after Syria attack | 0:45

Dozens of people had to be treated for breathing problems in the Syrian battlefront city of Aleppo after regime helicopters dropped barrel bombs on a rebel-held district, a monitor said. Video provided by AFP Newslook

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Kerry: 'Syria Breakthrough not Built on Trust' | 1:47

Secretary of State, John Kerry spelled out his views about the ceasefire agreement that has been negotiated to bring a stop to the fighting in Syria. Kerry said, "no one is building this based on trust." (Sept. 10) AP

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Raw: Syrian Military Launches Aleppo Offensive | 1:04

Syrian pro-government forces backed by airstrikes launched a wide offensive in the northern city of Aleppo on Sunday, capturing areas they lost last month and almost besieging rebel-held neighborhoods, state media and opposition activists said. (Sept. 4) AP

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR ISIS: top-tier leader Abu Mohammed al-Adnani killed in Aleppo | 0:27

Islamic State spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, one of the jihadist group’s longest-serving officials, has been killed in Aleppo in Syria, its Amaq News Agency reported on Tuesday. WIBBITZ

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Raw: Explosions in Syria Kills Dozens | 0:54

Syrian state media reports that several bombings in government-controlled territory have killed more than three dozen people. Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for at least one of the bombings. (Sept. 5) AP

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR No humanitarian convoys in Syria in a month | 1:12

Aid convoys have not reached Syria's besieged areas with desperately needed food and medicine for the past month, the UN envoy to the war-ravaged country, Staffan de Mistura, says. Video provided by AFP Newslook

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Raw: Turkish forces launch offensive in Syria | 1:09

Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency said on Wednesday that Turkish tanks have crossed into Syria as part of a military operation to free a border town held by the Islamic State group. (Aug. 24) AP

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Raw: Fighting intensifies around Aleppo | 1:17

Fighting intensified around Aleppo on Wednesday as Syrian government forces used rocket propelled grenades and tanks to try and dislodge the opposition. (Aug. 3) AP

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Wounded Syrian child sparks social media outrage | 0:39

The Aleppo Media Center published a video showing a child that it said had been rescued after strikes on a area in rebel-held eastern Aleppo. The images of the child covered in dust and blood in the ambulance have brought the spotlight on the plight of civilians in Syria's conflict-hit second city. Video provided by AFP Newslook

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THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR At least 11 killed in airstrikes west of Aleppo | 0:35

At least 11 people, including five children, are killed in air strikes on the rebel-held town of Atareb west of Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Video provided by AFP Newslook

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