Violence intensifies in Syria
- 12 years ago
Amateur video posted to a social media website appears to show a Syrian government fighter jet under fire.
Reuters is unable to independently verify the footage, purportedly filmed in northern Syria.
In Damascus, U.N. monitors are beginning to leave, one week before their mandate is set to expire on August 19.
On Monday, 21 observers left, while 101 will stay on.
Mission chief Babacar Gaye says the situation has not improved.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) BABACAR GAYE, UNSMIS CHIEF, SAYING:
"It is clear that violence is increasing in many parts of Syria. The indiscriminate use of heavy weapons by the government and targeted attacks by the opposition in urban centres are inflicting the heavy toll on innocent civilians."
Activists say more than 18,000 people have been killed since the start of the Syrian uprising against President Bashar al-Assad in March last year.
Reuters is unable to independently verify the footage, purportedly filmed in northern Syria.
In Damascus, U.N. monitors are beginning to leave, one week before their mandate is set to expire on August 19.
On Monday, 21 observers left, while 101 will stay on.
Mission chief Babacar Gaye says the situation has not improved.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) BABACAR GAYE, UNSMIS CHIEF, SAYING:
"It is clear that violence is increasing in many parts of Syria. The indiscriminate use of heavy weapons by the government and targeted attacks by the opposition in urban centres are inflicting the heavy toll on innocent civilians."
Activists say more than 18,000 people have been killed since the start of the Syrian uprising against President Bashar al-Assad in March last year.