Rebels fighting to 'protect civilians' in Aleppo
- 12 years ago
Syrian rebels fight government troops in an area of Aleppo left devastated by civil war.
Fighters from the Free Syrian Army (FSA) have been battling for control of the area, against government forces equipped with tanks and warplanes.
In streets turned to rubble, rebel fighters say they're trying to protect civilians.
In another area of the city, rebels direct people heading towards a checkpoint.
A rebel commander said local fighters had joined the cause as their homes became a warzone.
SOUNDBITE: UNIDENTIFIED COMMANDER OF A LEADING FSA UNIT SAYING (Arabic):
"They claim we are terrorists. We are the sons of this country. Some of our men, these fighters here, are from these buildings around you. When we see our families being shelled by planes and artillery, then there is nothing else we can do. This regime is not taking care of its people. They are killing. Now, we are under occupation, we have no choice but to protect ourselves."
The death toll in Syria is reaching 1,000 people a week, in a conflict with no end in sight.
An international mediator has urged a temporary truce next week, during an Islamic holiday.
Fighters from the Free Syrian Army (FSA) have been battling for control of the area, against government forces equipped with tanks and warplanes.
In streets turned to rubble, rebel fighters say they're trying to protect civilians.
In another area of the city, rebels direct people heading towards a checkpoint.
A rebel commander said local fighters had joined the cause as their homes became a warzone.
SOUNDBITE: UNIDENTIFIED COMMANDER OF A LEADING FSA UNIT SAYING (Arabic):
"They claim we are terrorists. We are the sons of this country. Some of our men, these fighters here, are from these buildings around you. When we see our families being shelled by planes and artillery, then there is nothing else we can do. This regime is not taking care of its people. They are killing. Now, we are under occupation, we have no choice but to protect ourselves."
The death toll in Syria is reaching 1,000 people a week, in a conflict with no end in sight.
An international mediator has urged a temporary truce next week, during an Islamic holiday.