Escalating conflict in Syria alarms the UN

NEW YORK: UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres is gravely concerned about the recent military escalation in south-western Syria, his spokesperson said on Friday.

The attacks, including ground offensives and aerial bombardments, had displaced thousands of civilians, most of whom were moving towards Jordan, said spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

Syrian government forces are bent on retaking rebel-controlled areas in the south.

Fighting and shelling were reported on Thursday in many towns on the eastern and western side of the Daraa sector, the UN said. On Wednesday, shelling and fighting in Daraa reportedly killed 20 people, including 11 in Daraa city.

The secretary-general is also concerned about the significant risks these offensives pose to regional security, Dujarric said.

“He underscores the fragile situation of civilians in southern Syria and calls for an immediate end to the current military escalation.

“He urges all stakeholders to respect their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.”

Recalling the de-escalation and ceasefire arrangements that brought relative calm to south-western Syria over the past year, Guterres urged all to uphold these commitments. The UN was also alarmed by two carbombs in Idlib on Friday that killed eight. – Sputnik/african News Agency (ANA)