Syria: dozens killed in an airstrike that hit the hospital in Aleppo, as violence intensifies

A rescuer trying to save a little girl in the area hit by the air
strikes in Aleppo
(Image: The Daily Mail Online)

An air strike hit a hospital located in the rebel-held area in the city of Aleppo in Syria on Friday, 29 April, as the fighting intensifies in Syria despite the ceasefire mediated by the UN and the world powers and declared since 28 February.

A hospital is located in Al-Marja district in Aleppo, controlled by the rebels. The hospital was operating under support of the Doctors Without Borders organization. More than 30 people were killed in an air strike, most of them medical personnel and patients of the hospital and inhabitants of the neighboring residential area. There are also children among the victims of the recent attack. Dozens were left wounded.

Russian President Vladimir Putin orders withdrawal of the country's military forces from Syria

Russian President Vladimir Putin orders withdrawal of the
military forces from Syria during the Kremlin meeting
(Image: Reuters)

In a surprise move Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered on Monday, 14 March, the withdrawal of "the main part" of Russian military forces from Syria to start from Tuesday.

During the Monday meeting in Kremlin Mr. Putin told the government and the Defense Minister Mr. Shoigu that Russian military intervention in Syria has largely achieved its goals and objectives and that therefore it could be finalized.

Syrian Geneva peace talks are expected to resume on Monday

Syrian peace talks held in Geneva
(Image: Haaretz)

Peace talks aimed at stopping the five year civil war in Syria that are expected to resume on Monday, 14 March, in Geneva, Switzerland, after the previous peace negotiations held in Vienna last year failed.

US Secretary of State John Kerry stated that the talks are more likely to be held on Monday despite several violations of the ceasefire by the sides, both Syrian government forces and rebels as well.

The ceasefire agreement was reached between the Syrian government and the representatives of the Syrian opposition and rebel forces at the end of February in Geneva, as the talks were mediated by US, Russia and UN. According to the latest ceasefire agreement the sides halt the hostilities and fighting starting from 27 February. The agreement did not apply to the terrorist groups including ISIS and Al-Nusra Front, as the fighting against these groups continues in different regions of the country.

Geneva peace talks on Syria are temporary suspended by UN

Syrian peace talks held in Geneva, Switzerland
(Image: DW)

The UN mediated peace talk on Syria being held in Geneva, Switzerland, were postponed on Wednesday, 3 February. The peace talks are aimed at ending the five year long devastating civil war in Syria which left more than 260 000 people killed and forced nearly half of Syrian citizens to leave the country. The civil war also fuelled rise of the extremist ISIS group in the region.

The peace talks were suspended by the UN and in accordance with the statements of the Syrian oppositional groups due to the continuous attacks of the Syrian regime forces against the rebel held territories what prevents the humanitarian aid and supplies to be delivered on the besieged territories.