Ceasefire in Aleppo Rejected by Free Syrian Army
November 12, 2014
This article has been produced by the efforts of the following members:
Sean McConkey – Team Writer examining Syrian political risk
Conor McGarvey – Team Leader examining Syrian Political Risk
In Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, the Free Syrian Army has struck down a ceasefire of which was suggested by the United Nations, and mildly supported by the Al- Assad regime.[1] All sides involved see Aleppo, which has been the site of an ongoing conflict since 2012, as a key city in the conflict. Situated in the Northwest region of the country, it has been used heavily as a base for the rebel group FSA’s activities, and as such has been the target of heavy bombardment by government forces.[2]
Adding to the turmoil in the region, a number of groups are currently vying for control from all directions. Surrounding the city from the East and Northwest is the Islamic State (ISIL) attempting to affirm control over more territory, of which is problematic for both Assad and the rebels.[3] The Syrian faction of al-Qaeda, al-Nusra, has also been gaining ground in the neighbouring province of Idlib.[4] In light of these developments, the UN proposal was seen to have been a viable option in preventing these forces from moving even further into Syrian territory.
However the proposal that the al-Assad government stated was “worth considering”[5], is seen by the rebel group as being largely in the interest of the current Syrian government. FSA commander in Aleppo Zaher al-Saket said in a statement that the rebels have no interest in a freeze of conflict that serves only to “buy [the government] time”.[6] This comes in the wake of recent news that military forces launched a missile in Aleppo damaging civil infrastructure extensively.
