Russia carries on bombing, despite war crimes claim

RUSSIAN warplanes continued to pound rebel-held areas of Syria’s biggest city yesterday, hours after being accused of war crimes by Britain and the US.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the east of Aleppo was hit by dozens of airstrikes.

There were claims that napalm and phosphorous bombs were being used.

More than 250,000 civilians are trapped, with the water supply to rebel areas cut off.

The Observatory said 237 people, including 38 children, had been killed in raids on the city since a ceasefire collapsed last week.

Civil defence worker Bebars Mishal said: “At night the bombardment intensifies, it becomes more violent, using all kinds of weapons, phosphorous and napalm and cluster bombs.”

British ambassador Matthew Rycroft joined his US and French counterparts in walking out of an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council in New York on Sunday in protest.

He said: “The regime and Russia have plunged to new depths and unleashed a new hell on Aleppo.”

US ambassador Samantha Power accused Moscow of “barbarism”.

But the Kremlin hit back, accusing the West of an “unacceptable” tone which might damage efforts to end the five-year civil war. WIN tickets to the West End hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL plus overnight stay at The Cavendish London, courtesy of Superbreak, the UK’s leading short break operator. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL features fifty classic hits including “My Girl”, “Dancing In The Street” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. Visit www.motownthemusical.co.uk Prize includes four top price tickets, one night in two Exec rooms, two course dinner from set menu & breakfast, plus travel (max £50pp). Valid until 31 Jan, subject to availability, excluding 12-31 Dec.