Syrian forces tighten siege of rebel-held areas in Aleppo

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — As wave after wave of bombs fell on areas of eastern Aleppo in Syria, ground forces loyal to the Syrian government seized a rebel-held neighborhood on Saturday, intensifying the siege against the rebels and the many civilians who live among them.



Since a cease-fire brokered by the U.S. and Russia collapsed last week, the Syrian government has made no secret of its intention to use military force to crush its enemies.

If people are serious about wanting a peaceful outcome to this war, then they should cease and desist bombing innocent women and children, cease cutting off water and laying siege to an entire community, and work with the international community in order to be able to bring peace to people who are starving.

The recent bombing campaign has exacerbated the humanitarian situation in rebel-held areas of eastern Aleppo, which have been surrounded by government troops and cut off from aid.