Syria: Islamists surrounded in Aleppo. The evacuation of civilians from the eastern districts begins

(To Giampiero Venturi)
29/07/16

The release of the Ashrafiyah district by the Syrian army has essentially closed the ring around Aleppo. All Islamist forces concentrated in the eastern parts of the city would now be trapped.

The offensive has been underway for days with the almost constant initiative of the Qawat al Nimr, Tiger Forces, ubiquitous units on the fronts of attack. All the positions that dominate the Castle Road (the ring road that joins the eastern part of Aleppo to the north-western area) have been fortified by Syrian artillery units. The attempts of the militiamen of Al Nusra to break the siege they would all end up in a bloodbath.

The news of the granting by the Damascus government of the amnesty to all the rebels who lay down their arms was followed by a dense launch of leaflets inviting the Islamists to surrender.

The opening of humanitarian corridors to allow civilians to escape from east to west and the jihadists to surrender is now being studied. The offensive to reconcile the entire city would be imminent.

Meanwhile, Russian spy planes are returning to Syria, as before the ceasefire agreements and the announcement of the partial withdrawal made in March. A Tupolev 214R, which landed at the Humaymim base, south of Latakia, is again available to monitor the movements of jihadist forces across the country.

(photo: SAA-Alalam)