More than 6,000 civilians were killed in Myanmar in the first 20 months after the February 2021 military coup, a report published Tuesday by the Peace Research Institute of Oslo said.

"Our data shows that the human toll of the conflict is higher than previously reported, and while the junta is clearly the main killer, anti-junta forces also have large amounts of blood on their hands," Stein Tonnesson, one of the two co-authors of the report, said in a statement.

The report said 6,337 civilians were killed "for political reasons" between 1 February&nbsp;2021 and 30 September 2022, and 2,614 were injured.

That toll is much higher than others that have circulated, including those from international organisations.

According to the report, almost half of the deaths, 3,003, were attributed to the regime – the army, police and militias – while 2,152 were attributed to armed opposition groups.

Twelve were attributed to other civilians not affiliated with either the regime or opponents and 1,170 to undetermined actors.

"This is a larger number than is normally cited in the media, and yet it is only an estimate, based on reported killings gathered from reliable media reports," the report said.

"The actual total is surely higher since many killings have likely gone unreported".

Alleging massive fraud, the Myanmar military annulled the legislative elections won by Aung San Suu Kyi's party and overthrew her government.

Since then, the junta has carried out large-scale repression of any opposition, arresting more than 23,000 people, according to a local watchdog.

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More than 6,000 civilians were killed in Myanmar in the first 20 months after the February 2021 military coup, a report published Tuesday by the Peace Research Institute of Oslo said.

More than 6,000 civilians were killed in Myanmar in the first 20 months after the February 2021 military coup, a report published Tuesday by the Peace Research Institute of Oslo said. "Our data shows that the human toll of the conflict is higher than previously reported, and while the junta is clearly the main killer, anti-junta forces also have large amounts of blood on their hands," Stein Tonnesson, one of the two co-authors of the report, said in a statement. The report said 6,337 civilians were killed "for political reasons" between 1 February 2021 and 30 September 2022, and 2,614 were injured. That toll is much higher than others that have circulated, including those from international organisations. According to the report, almost half of the deaths, 3,003, were attributed to the regime – the army, police and militias – while 2,152 were attributed to armed opposition groups. Twelve were attributed to other civilians not affiliated with either the regime or opponents and 1,170 to undetermined actors. "This is a larger number than is normally cited in the media, and yet it is only an estimate, based on reported killings gathered from reliable media reports," the report said. "The actual total is surely higher since many killings have likely gone unreported". Alleging massive fraud, the Myanmar military annulled the legislative elections won by Aung San Suu Kyi's party and overthrew her government. Since then, the junta has carried out large-scale repression of any opposition, arresting more than 23,000 people, according to a local watchdog. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

6,000 Myanmar civilians killed in 20 months post coup: Report

India’s Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the Nagaland firing incident, in which security forces opened fire on civilians killing 14 and injuring 11, was a case of “mistaken identity”.

In a statement in Lok Sabha, Shah, while expressing regret, said the probe will be completed within a month and asserted that all agencies must ensure such happenings do not recur while taking action against insurgents.

He said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the matter.

He further said that the government is keeping a close watch on the evolving situation and necessary measures are being taken to ensure peace and tranquillity in the region.

The state authorities, as a precautionary measure, have imposed prohibitory orders in the affected areas, he informed the House.

Shah offered deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the case of mistaken identity on December 4 and subsequent episodes.

"The Government of India sincerely regrets this unfortunate incident in Nagaland and offers its deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives," the home minister said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/13-civilians-gunned-down-in-nagaland-by-security-forces-1-soldier-killed-in-rioting-434403">13 civilians gunned down in Nagaland by security forces; 1 soldier killed in rioting</a>

Narrating the sequence of events, Shah said the Army received information on the movement of insurgents in Nagaland's Mon and '21 Para Commando' unit laid an ambush.

A vehicle was signalled to stop but it tried to speed away. Suspecting the presence of insurgents in the vehicle, the security personnel opened fire, he said.

Six out of eight occupants of the vehicle died in the firing by security forces, Shah said, adding that later, it was found to be "a case of mistaken identity".

Two persons who sustained injuries were evacuated to the medical facilities by the Army personnel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-inks-ceasefire-agreement-with-another-insurgent-group-in-northeastern-state-of-nagaland-411690">India inks ceasefire agreement with another insurgent group in northeastern state of Nagaland</a>

He said local people, on getting news of the firing, surrounded and attacked the troops and one soldier was killed in the violence while several others were injured.

Shah said that in self-defence and to disperse the crowd, the troops had to open fire in which seven more civilians were killed.

He said that on Sunday evening, an agitated crowd targeted Assam Rifles company operating base and forces had to open fire in which one civilian was killed.

It has been decided that all agencies must ensure such incidents do not happen in the future during action against insurgents, the minister said.

Quoting an Army statement, Shah said the cause of the unfortunate loss of lives is being investigated at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken as per law.

India’s Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the Nagaland firing incident, in which security forces opened fire on civilians killing 14 and injuring 11, was a case of “mistaken identity”.

India’s Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the Nagaland firing incident, in which security forces opened fire on civilians killing 14 and injuring 11, was a case of “mistaken identity”. In a statement in Lok Sabha, Shah, while expressing regret, said the probe will be completed within a month and asserted that all agencies must ensure such happenings do not recur while taking action against insurgents. He said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the matter. He further said that the government is keeping a close watch on the evolving situation and necessary measures are being taken to ensure peace and tranquillity in the region. The state authorities, as a precautionary measure, have imposed prohibitory orders in the affected areas, he informed the House. Shah offered deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the case of mistaken identity on December 4 and subsequent episodes. "The Government of India sincerely regrets this unfortunate incident in Nagaland and offers its deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives," the home minister said. Also read | 13 civilians gunned down in Nagaland by security forces; 1 soldier killed in rioting Narrating the sequence of events, Shah said the Army received information on the movement of insurgents in Nagaland's Mon and '21 Para Commando' unit laid an ambush. A vehicle was signalled to stop but it tried to speed away. Suspecting the presence of insurgents in the vehicle, the security personnel opened fire, he said. Six out of eight occupants of the vehicle died in the firing by security forces, Shah said, adding that later, it was found to be "a case of mistaken identity". Two persons who sustained injuries were evacuated to the medical facilities by the Army personnel. Also read | India inks ceasefire agreement with another insurgent group in northeastern state of Nagaland He said local people, on getting news of the firing, surrounded and attacked the troops and one soldier was killed in the violence while several others were injured. Shah said that in self-defence and to disperse the crowd, the troops had to open fire in which seven more civilians were killed. He said that on Sunday evening, an agitated crowd targeted Assam Rifles company operating base and forces had to open fire in which one civilian was killed. It has been decided that all agencies must ensure such incidents do not happen in the future during action against insurgents, the minister said. Quoting an Army statement, Shah said the cause of the unfortunate loss of lives is being investigated at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken as per law.

Indian govt says Nagaland firing incident case of ‘mistaken identity', expresses regret

History seems to be repeating itself in Kashmir. Recently, there have been targeting attacks against the non-locals living in the valley, 11 people have been killed in the last two weeks.

Jammu & Kashmir: 11 civilians killed in last two weeks

At least 19 people have been killed in an attack on a village in the Tillaberi region of southwest Niger, local officials said.

Governor Ibrahim Tidjani Katiella told news agencies the attackers, who likely came from Mali, surrounded the village and then started killing the inhabitants.

"For the moment, the number of dead stands at 19 and two people have been wounded in an attack by armed men on motorbikes in the village of Gaigorou" in the Tillaberi region on Saturday evening, said the municipal official from Dessa.

The Tillaberi region has been frequently targeted by terrorist groups based in Mali since 2017, with a state of emergency declared in the area.

Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali in the Sahel are at the epicentre of one of the world's fastest-growing displacement and protection crises.

The region hosts 851,000 refugees and nearly 2 million displaced people, according to the UN refugee agency.

In January, around 100 people were killed in attacks in two Tillaberi villages after the first round of presidential elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 19 people have been killed in an attack on a village in the Tillaberi region of southwest Niger, local officials said. Governor Ibrahim Tidjani Katiella told news agencies the attackers, who likely came from Mali, surrounded the village and then started killing the inhabitants.

At least 19 people have been killed in an attack on a village in the Tillaberi region of southwest Niger, local officials said. Governor Ibrahim Tidjani Katiella told news agencies the attackers, who likely came from Mali, surrounded the village and then started killing the inhabitants. "For the moment, the number of dead stands at 19 and two people have been wounded in an attack by armed men on motorbikes in the village of Gaigorou" in the Tillaberi region on Saturday evening, said the municipal official from Dessa. The Tillaberi region has been frequently targeted by terrorist groups based in Mali since 2017, with a state of emergency declared in the area. Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali in the Sahel are at the epicentre of one of the world's fastest-growing displacement and protection crises. The region hosts 851,000 refugees and nearly 2 million displaced people, according to the UN refugee agency. In January, around 100 people were killed in attacks in two Tillaberi villages after the first round of presidential elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Nineteen civilians killed in West Niger attack: Official

At least three civilians were killed, and four security personnel, including jail chief, wounded in an explosion near Laghman prison on Saturday.

Also read:&nbsp;

"Three civilians were killed in an explosion near #Laghman prison, and Four security people including Jail chief were wounded," Pajhwok Afghan News quoted provincial governor's spokesman Assadullah Dawlatzai as saying.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

At least three civilians were killed, and four security personnel, including jail chief, wounded in an explosion near Laghman prison on Saturday. Also read: "Three civilians were killed in an explosion near #Laghman prison, and Four security people including Jail chief were wounded," Pajhwok Afghan News quoted provincial governor's spokesman Assadullah Dawlatzai as saying.

At least three civilians were killed, and four security personnel, including jail chief, wounded in an explosion near Laghman prison on Saturday. Also read: "Three civilians were killed in an explosion near #Laghman prison, and Four security people including Jail chief were wounded," Pajhwok Afghan News quoted provincial governor's spokesman Assadullah Dawlatzai as saying. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Further details are awaited.

Afghanistan: 3 civilians killed, 4 security persons wounded in explosion near Laghman prison

Russian Airstrikes killed at least 12 civilians in the last major opposition bastion in northwestern Syria. In the early morning, raids hit a populous village in Aleppo province where battles between Russia-backed regime forces and their opponents have raged for weeks.

Syrian Air Strikes Kills 12 Civilians

At least six civilians were killed in an airstrike in northern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/plane-crashes-in-afghanistans-ghazni-province-276876">Afghanistan</a> over the weekend, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-instructs-officials-not-to-use-whatsapp-not-supported-as-a-secure-mechanism-says-spokesman-276367">UN</a> confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage across the country despite hopes the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-driver-disguises-skeleton-to-drive-in-car-sharing-lane-276870">US </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-wants-significant-drop-in-taliban-violence-for-afghan-talks-275983">Taliban</a> were hammering out a ceasefire.

The UN's findings come days after reports first surfaced that several civilians had been killed in an airstrike in Boka village in northern Balkh province.

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UN gravely concerned as its initial findings indicate at least four children and two women killed Saturday by pro-government forces airstrike in Boka village, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Balkh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Balkh</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>. UNAMA urges victim support and earliest publication of ANA and USFOR-A investigations. <a href="https://t.co/1cmBlCfqyo">pic.twitter.com/1cmBlCfqyo</a>
— UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNAMAnews/status/1221772484493697024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The US and Afghan militaries are the only forces in Afghanistan that have the capability to carry out airstrikes in the country.

Balkh governor's spokesman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-11-afghan-police-killed-in-taliban-attack-253019">Munir Farhad</a> confirmed that civilians had been killed in Boka, but said officials were still investigating the incident.

The statement comes as Washington has for weeks been calling for the violence to be reduced in the country, amid talks with the Taliban over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/plane-crashes-in-afghanistans-ghazni-province-276876">Plane crashes in Afghanistan's Ghazni province</a>

Taliban sources told AFP earlier this month they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 10 days, but there was no announcement of the proposal by either party.

The Taliban are aiming to reach a withdrawal agreement with the US by the end of January and are prepared to "scale down" military operations ahead of signing a deal, their chief spokesman said earlier this month.

The two sides had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-wants-significant-drop-in-taliban-violence-for-afghan-talks-275983">Trump</a> abruptly declared the process "dead", citing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-briefed-by-us-officials-on-peace-talks-with-taliban-276713">Taliban</a> violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-wants-significant-drop-in-taliban-violence-for-afghan-talks-275983">Also read:&nbsp;Trump wants 'significant' drop in Taliban violence for Afghan talks</a>

Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar, but paused again following an attack near the US-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan.

Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two pillars -- a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. It would ultimately have to win final approval from Trump.

Last month, UNAMA reported that more than 100,000 Afghan civilians have been killed or injured over the past decade -- a grim milestone after more than 18 years of war since US and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">NATO</a> allies invaded the country following the September 11 attacks in 2001

At least six civilians were killed in an airstrike in northern Afghanistan over the weekend, the UN confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage across the country despite hopes the US and Taliban were hammering out a ceasefire.

At least six civilians were killed in an airstrike in northern Afghanistan over the weekend, the UN confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage across the country despite hopes the US and Taliban were hammering out a ceasefire. The UN's findings come days after reports first surfaced that several civilians had been killed in an airstrike in Boka village in northern Balkh province. UN gravely concerned as its initial findings indicate at least four children and two women killed Saturday by pro-government forces airstrike in Boka village, #Balkh, #Afghanistan. UNAMA urges victim support and earliest publication of ANA and USFOR-A investigations. pic.twitter.com/1cmBlCfqyo — UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) January 27, 2020 × The US and Afghan militaries are the only forces in Afghanistan that have the capability to carry out airstrikes in the country. Balkh governor's spokesman Munir Farhad confirmed that civilians had been killed in Boka, but said officials were still investigating the incident. The statement comes as Washington has for weeks been calling for the violence to be reduced in the country, amid talks with the Taliban over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. Also read: Plane crashes in Afghanistan's Ghazni province Taliban sources told AFP earlier this month they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 10 days, but there was no announcement of the proposal by either party. The Taliban are aiming to reach a withdrawal agreement with the US by the end of January and are prepared to "scale down" military operations ahead of signing a deal, their chief spokesman said earlier this month. The two sides had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence. Also read: Trump wants 'significant' drop in Taliban violence for Afghan talks Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar, but paused again following an attack near the US-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan. Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two pillars -- a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. It would ultimately have to win final approval from Trump. Last month, UNAMA reported that more than 100,000 Afghan civilians have been killed or injured over the past decade -- a grim milestone after more than 18 years of war since US and NATO allies invaded the country following the September 11 attacks in 2001

Six civilians killed in Afghanistan airstrike: United Nations

At least 14 civilians were killed during an operation by Afghan security forces in eastern Nangarhar province, residents said on Wednesday.

Government officials confirmed that security officials had conducted an operation against insurgents in the Shahidano Mena area of Rodat district on Tuesday and were investigating whether the operation resulted in civilian casualties.

Both Taliban and Islamic State militants are active in eastern Afghanistan.

Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for Nangarhar governor confirmed the death of 14 people but he refused to comment whether the victims were civilians or insurgents.

Angry residents along with families of the victims said innocent men, women and children were targeted by the Afghan soldiers.

They laid the bodies of the deceased under a tent near the Jalalabad-Torkham highway and closed it for any traffic movement before the final rites.

The United Nations in October reported that at least 8,050 Afghan civilians were killed or wounded across the country in the first nine months of 2018.

The report attributed 65 percent of casualties to the Taliban, Islamic State and other anti-government forces.

At least 14 civilians were killed during an operation by Afghan security forces in eastern Nangarhar province, residents said on Wednesday. Government officials confirmed that security officials had conducted an operation against insurgents in the Shahidano Mena area of Rodat district on Tuesday and were investigating whether the operation resulted in civilian casualties.

At least 14 civilians were killed during an operation by Afghan security forces in eastern Nangarhar province, residents said on Wednesday. Government officials confirmed that security officials had conducted an operation against insurgents in the Shahidano Mena area of Rodat district on Tuesday and were investigating whether the operation resulted in civilian casualties. Both Taliban and Islamic State militants are active in eastern Afghanistan. Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for Nangarhar governor confirmed the death of 14 people but he refused to comment whether the victims were civilians or insurgents. Angry residents along with families of the victims said innocent men, women and children were targeted by the Afghan soldiers. They laid the bodies of the deceased under a tent near the Jalalabad-Torkham highway and closed it for any traffic movement before the final rites. The United Nations in October reported that at least 8,050 Afghan civilians were killed or wounded across the country in the first nine months of 2018. The report attributed 65 percent of casualties to the Taliban, Islamic State and other anti-government forces.

Afghan forces kill 14 civilians in ground raid, locals say

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan said at least 10 civilians may have been killed by an air strike in the northern city of Kunduz last week, despite a US&nbsp;military investigation that found no civilian deaths.

In a series of messages on Twitter, the UN&nbsp;Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said interviews with multiple survivors, medics, elders, and others gave it a strong reason to believe that civilians were among the victims of Saturday&rsquo;s attack.

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Credible reports that at least 10 civilians killed in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kunduz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kunduz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> airstrike 4 Nov, UNAMA initial findings show (1/4)
&mdash; UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNAMAnews/status/928087187282976768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The statement contradicts comments from some local and Afghan military officials as well as a US&nbsp;statement on Tuesday which said that an investigation had found no evidence of civilian deaths.

The episode underlines the lack of clarity over reports of civilian casualties, an issue which is likely to become increasingly prominent as the United States steps up air strikes against the Taliban and other insurgent groups.

Captain Tom Gresback, a spokesman for the U.S. military, said the Pentagon still stood by its previous statement that found no civilian deaths.

But he added: &ldquo;U.S. Forces Afghanistan will examine and consider any credible evidence when allegations of civilian casualties are presented. We take all allegations of civilian casualties very seriously and take necessary steps to ensure that we mitigate the loss of civilian life.&rdquo;

On a visit to Kabul in September, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that commanders would be given greater freedom to use American firepower against the Taliban but that &ldquo;everything humanly possible&rdquo; would be done to avoid civilian casualties.

Former President Hamid Karzai, who clashed bitterly with the United States over the issue in past years, condemned the air strikes but the government of President Ashraf Ghani has so far made no public comment.

Accounts from some local officials and residents indicated that as many as 13 people were killed in air strikes in Chahardara district outside Kunduz city. Some Afghan media have reported much higher figures, without independent confirmation.

Afghan special forces and the local provincial governor say 48 militants were killed but deny any civilians were killed.

In its most recent report, the United Nations said there had been a 52 percent increase in civilian casualties from air strikes in the first nine months of the year to 205 killed and 261 wounded.

The issue has particular resonance in Kunduz because it was there that 42 civilians were killed in a U.S. air strike on a hospital run by medical aid group Medecins sans Frontieres during fighting to regain the city from the Taliban in 2015.

Afghan special forces and the local provincial governor say 48 militants were killed but deny any civilians were killed.

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan said at least 10 civilians may have been killed by an air strike in the northern city of Kunduz last week, despite a US military investigation that found no civilian deaths. In a series of messages on Twitter, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said interviews with multiple survivors, medics, elders, and others gave it a strong reason to believe that civilians were among the victims of Saturday’s attack. Credible reports that at least 10 civilians killed in #Kunduz #Afghanistan airstrike 4 Nov, UNAMA initial findings show (1/4) — UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) November 8, 2017 × The statement contradicts comments from some local and Afghan military officials as well as a US statement on Tuesday which said that an investigation had found no evidence of civilian deaths. The episode underlines the lack of clarity over reports of civilian casualties, an issue which is likely to become increasingly prominent as the United States steps up air strikes against the Taliban and other insurgent groups. Captain Tom Gresback, a spokesman for the U.S. military, said the Pentagon still stood by its previous statement that found no civilian deaths. But he added: “U.S. Forces Afghanistan will examine and consider any credible evidence when allegations of civilian casualties are presented. We take all allegations of civilian casualties very seriously and take necessary steps to ensure that we mitigate the loss of civilian life.” On a visit to Kabul in September, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that commanders would be given greater freedom to use American firepower against the Taliban but that “everything humanly possible” would be done to avoid civilian casualties. Former President Hamid Karzai, who clashed bitterly with the United States over the issue in past years, condemned the air strikes but the government of President Ashraf Ghani has so far made no public comment. Accounts from some local officials and residents indicated that as many as 13 people were killed in air strikes in Chahardara district outside Kunduz city. Some Afghan media have reported much higher figures, without independent confirmation. Afghan special forces and the local provincial governor say 48 militants were killed but deny any civilians were killed. In its most recent report, the United Nations said there had been a 52 percent increase in civilian casualties from air strikes in the first nine months of the year to 205 killed and 261 wounded. The issue has particular resonance in Kunduz because it was there that 42 civilians were killed in a U.S. air strike on a hospital run by medical aid group Medecins sans Frontieres during fighting to regain the city from the Taliban in 2015.

10 civilians killed in US air strike on Kunduz: UN

The situation in Kashmir turned for the worse on Tuesday after three civilians were killed and 18 injured as security forces clashed with stone-pelters trying to disrupt an anti-militancy operation.

One militant was killed in the operation in south Kashmir&#39;s Budgam.

<a href="http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/front-page/3-youth-militant-killed-in-chadoora/244942.html">Greater Kashmir</a> quoted witnesses as saying that a mob approached the outer cordon of the operation and pelted them with stones and bricks. The reports further adds that the security personnel fired in the air and tried to disperse the mob, but the crowd chanted pro-azadi slogans and clashed with the security forces.

The separatists have called for a shut down in Kashmir, voicing their strong disapproval of the killing of civilians.

Extra forces have been deployed in sensitive areas in view of the strike called by separatists, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

Shops, business establishments and fuel stations were shut, while educational institutions remained closed because of the strike, PTI quoted officials as saying. &nbsp;

The incident has generated intense political reactions, with Farooq Abdullah, president of the main opposition party National Conference, slamming the People&#39;s Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party&nbsp;(PDP-BJP) alliance government and calling for an end to the &quot;era of bloodbath&quot;.&nbsp;

The chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti,&nbsp;said that the people of Kashmir have had to &ldquo;suffer massive collateral damage due to violence of the past three decades or so&quot;, reported Greater Kashmir.

In February, the Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat said that those pelting stones at the security forces during encounters will be treated as aides of militants.

(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Separatists have called for a shut down in Kashmir, voicing their strong disapproval of the killing of civilians

The situation in Kashmir turned for the worse on Tuesday after three civilians were killed and 18 injured as security forces clashed with stone-pelters trying to disrupt an anti-militancy operation. One militant was killed in the operation in south Kashmir's Budgam. Greater Kashmir quoted witnesses as saying that a mob approached the outer cordon of the operation and pelted them with stones and bricks. The reports further adds that the security personnel fired in the air and tried to disperse the mob, but the crowd chanted pro-azadi slogans and clashed with the security forces. The separatists have called for a shut down in Kashmir, voicing their strong disapproval of the killing of civilians. Extra forces have been deployed in sensitive areas in view of the strike called by separatists, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported. Shops, business establishments and fuel stations were shut, while educational institutions remained closed because of the strike, PTI quoted officials as saying. The incident has generated intense political reactions, with Farooq Abdullah, president of the main opposition party National Conference, slamming the People's Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party (PDP-BJP) alliance government and calling for an end to the "era of bloodbath". The chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, said that the people of Kashmir have had to “suffer massive collateral damage due to violence of the past three decades or so", reported Greater Kashmir. In February, the Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat said that those pelting stones at the security forces during encounters will be treated as aides of militants. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Kashmir simmers again after 3 civilians are killed in clashes

Syrian army units advanced in Aleppo on Friday and pounded rebel-held eastern neighbourhoods with air strikes and shelling, causing new deaths among besieged civilians and adding to their despair.

The US military, meanwhile, announced its first combat loss in Syria, saying a service member had been killed by a bomb during an offensive against the Islamic State group.

Ten days into the offensive to recapture all of Syria&#39;s battered second city, regime bombardment has killed 196 civilians, including at least 27 children, in east Aleppo, a monitoring group said.

On Friday, regime forces pounded several eastern districts with air strikes and shelling that killed eight civilians, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Clashes also rocked Masaken Hanano, east Aleppo&#39;s largest district, more than 60 per cent of which is now under the control of regime forces, the monitor added.

State television said the army was advancing into Masaken Hanano &quot;from three axes&quot;, calling it the &quot;largest front&quot; in the battle for Aleppo, the capture of which could deal a decisive blow to rebels.

More than 250,000 civilians have been besieged in eastern Aleppo since July, with food and fuel supplies dwindling and international aid exhausted.

The Observatory said four children fled Friday to Sheikh Maqsud, a Kurdish-controlled enclave between the government-held west of Aleppo and the east.

But rebels prevented &quot;dozens of families&quot; from Bustan al-Basha from leaving, it said.

And regime raids on two villages west of Aleppo killed at least 15 civilians on Friday, four of them children, said the Observatory.

No safe place

Damascus says east Aleppo residents and surrendering fighters are free to leave but accuses the rebels of using civilians as &quot;human shields&quot;.

Residents endured a brutal night Thursday of bombardment during which 32 civilians, including five children, were killed.

&quot;I&#39;m terrified by the army&#39;s advance and the increasing bombardment,&quot; said Abu Raed, a father-of-four from the Fardos neighbourhood.

&quot;There&#39;s no safe place for me and my family.&quot;

Rescue workers in several parts of the east battled to extricate civilians trapped under the rubble of bombed buildings.

In Bab al-Nayrab, an AFP cameraman saw them struggle for more than an hour to pull out a boy who was stuck from the waist down in the rubble, with the back of his head badly gashed.

&quot;Living under these circumstances is unbearable,&quot; said 43-year-old Mohammed Haj Hussein, in Tariq al-Bab district.

&quot;There&#39;s no work, there&#39;s no food, and the bombing is incessant... I want to get out of here by any means possible.&quot;

Resident Abu Hussein added: &quot;I don&#39;t know what the UN is waiting for. Why don&#39;t they at least evacuate the children and women?&quot;

Retaliatory rocket fire by the rebels has killed at least 18 civilians in the government-held west, 10 of them children, since the regime assault began on November 15, said the Observatory.

No plan B

The UN says it has a plan to deliver aid to Aleppo and evacuate the sick and wounded, which rebel factions have approved.

But Damascus has yet to agree, and additional guarantees are needed from regime ally Moscow, UN officials say.

On Thursday, the head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, Jan Egeland, warned there was no plan B to help civilians in east Aleppo.

&quot;In many ways plan B is that people starve, and can we allow that to happen? No we cannot,&quot; he said.

Further east, in Raqa province, where a US-backed alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters is battling IS, Washington suffered its first combat loss in Syria, the coalition announced.

It said the service member died on Thursday from wounds caused by an improvised bomb near the town of Ain Issa.

US special forces are on the ground in the area supporting an offensive to retake the city of Raqa, the jihadists&#39; de facto Syrian capital.

Also on Friday an air strike carried out by an unidentified aircraft hit a small maternity hospital in the north of Idlib province, killing a civilian and putting the clinic out of service, said the Observatory.

Rebel-held areas in the Eastern Ghouta near Damascus were also pounded by regime forces on Friday, the monitor said, killing at least two civilians and wounding 15 in the town of Douma.

The charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported &quot;multiple air strikes&quot; on Eastern Ghouta, adding that the number of the wounded &quot;is still being counted.&quot;

At least 49 civilians have been killed in regime bombardment on the rebel stronghold since November 17, almost half of them children, said the Observatory.

(AFP)

Ten days into the offensive to recapture all of Syria's second city, regime bombardment has killed 196 civilians

Syrian army units advanced in Aleppo on Friday and pounded rebel-held eastern neighbourhoods with air strikes and shelling, causing new deaths among besieged civilians and adding to their despair. The US military, meanwhile, announced its first combat loss in Syria, saying a service member had been killed by a bomb during an offensive against the Islamic State group. Ten days into the offensive to recapture all of Syria's battered second city, regime bombardment has killed 196 civilians, including at least 27 children, in east Aleppo, a monitoring group said. On Friday, regime forces pounded several eastern districts with air strikes and shelling that killed eight civilians, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Clashes also rocked Masaken Hanano, east Aleppo's largest district, more than 60 per cent of which is now under the control of regime forces, the monitor added. State television said the army was advancing into Masaken Hanano "from three axes", calling it the "largest front" in the battle for Aleppo, the capture of which could deal a decisive blow to rebels. More than 250,000 civilians have been besieged in eastern Aleppo since July, with food and fuel supplies dwindling and international aid exhausted. The Observatory said four children fled Friday to Sheikh Maqsud, a Kurdish-controlled enclave between the government-held west of Aleppo and the east. But rebels prevented "dozens of families" from Bustan al-Basha from leaving, it said. And regime raids on two villages west of Aleppo killed at least 15 civilians on Friday, four of them children, said the Observatory. No safe place Damascus says east Aleppo residents and surrendering fighters are free to leave but accuses the rebels of using civilians as "human shields". Residents endured a brutal night Thursday of bombardment during which 32 civilians, including five children, were killed. "I'm terrified by the army's advance and the increasing bombardment," said Abu Raed, a father-of-four from the Fardos neighbourhood. "There's no safe place for me and my family." Rescue workers in several parts of the east battled to extricate civilians trapped under the rubble of bombed buildings. In Bab al-Nayrab, an AFP cameraman saw them struggle for more than an hour to pull out a boy who was stuck from the waist down in the rubble, with the back of his head badly gashed. "Living under these circumstances is unbearable," said 43-year-old Mohammed Haj Hussein, in Tariq al-Bab district. "There's no work, there's no food, and the bombing is incessant... I want to get out of here by any means possible." Resident Abu Hussein added: "I don't know what the UN is waiting for. Why don't they at least evacuate the children and women?" Retaliatory rocket fire by the rebels has killed at least 18 civilians in the government-held west, 10 of them children, since the regime assault began on November 15, said the Observatory. No plan B The UN says it has a plan to deliver aid to Aleppo and evacuate the sick and wounded, which rebel factions have approved. But Damascus has yet to agree, and additional guarantees are needed from regime ally Moscow, UN officials say. On Thursday, the head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, Jan Egeland, warned there was no plan B to help civilians in east Aleppo. "In many ways plan B is that people starve, and can we allow that to happen? No we cannot," he said. Further east, in Raqa province, where a US-backed alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters is battling IS, Washington suffered its first combat loss in Syria, the coalition announced. It said the service member died on Thursday from wounds caused by an improvised bomb near the town of Ain Issa. US special forces are on the ground in the area supporting an offensive to retake the city of Raqa, the jihadists' de facto Syrian capital. Also on Friday an air strike carried out by an unidentified aircraft hit a small maternity hospital in the north of Idlib province, killing a civilian and putting the clinic out of service, said the Observatory. Rebel-held areas in the Eastern Ghouta near Damascus were also pounded by regime forces on Friday, the monitor said, killing at least two civilians and wounding 15 in the town of Douma. The charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported "multiple air strikes" on Eastern Ghouta, adding that the number of the wounded "is still being counted." At least 49 civilians have been killed in regime bombardment on the rebel stronghold since November 17, almost half of them children, said the Observatory. (AFP)

Syria army advances in rebel-held east Aleppo

Twelve Yemeni civilians were killed by a Saudi-led air strike in the Houthi-controlled Hiran area of the country&#39;s Hajja province.

Reuters quoted residents as saying that the civilians were hit while on their way to a local market in a pickup truck.

The coalition says it does not target civilians, Reuters reported.

A Saudi-led coalition has been fighting Yemen&#39;s Houthis since March 2015 to restore the internationally recognised president, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who lives in exile in Saudi Arabia.

Thousands of air strikes targeted at the Houthis have hit schools, markets, hospitals and homes, killing many civilians. They have mostly failed to dislodge the rebels from the capital, Sanaa.

Rights groups say they may amount to war crimes, but the coalition has argued that the Houthi fighters infiltrate and endanger civilian areas, Reuters reported.

A 48-hour ceasefire between the two factions ended on Monday, with both sides blaming each other for hundreds of violations.

At least 10,000 people have been killed in the 20-month conflict, unleashing a humanitarian crisis on one of the Arab world&#39;s poorest countries.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

The coalition has been fighting Yemen's Houthis since March 2015 to restore the internationally recognised president, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi

Twelve Yemeni civilians were killed by a Saudi-led air strike in the Houthi-controlled Hiran area of the country's Hajja province. Reuters quoted residents as saying that the civilians were hit while on their way to a local market in a pickup truck. The coalition says it does not target civilians, Reuters reported. A Saudi-led coalition has been fighting Yemen's Houthis since March 2015 to restore the internationally recognised president, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who lives in exile in Saudi Arabia. Thousands of air strikes targeted at the Houthis have hit schools, markets, hospitals and homes, killing many civilians. They have mostly failed to dislodge the rebels from the capital, Sanaa. Rights groups say they may amount to war crimes, but the coalition has argued that the Houthi fighters infiltrate and endanger civilian areas, Reuters reported. A 48-hour ceasefire between the two factions ended on Monday, with both sides blaming each other for hundreds of violations. At least 10,000 people have been killed in the 20-month conflict, unleashing a humanitarian crisis on one of the Arab world's poorest countries. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Yemen: 12 civilians killed in Saudi-led air strike

Indian authorities on Tuesday said that eight civilians had been killed after Pakistani mortar shells hit two areas in the disputed Kashmir region, as tensions soar between the nuclear-armed rivals.

Two children and three adults were killed in the shelling near Jammu city in the Samba sector across the border with Pakistan&#39;s Punjab province, a top civil official, Pawan Kotwal, told AFP.

Two women were also killed in the mountainous Rajouri district along the line of control (LoC), the de facto border in the disputed territory, Kotwal said.

Many more were injured in the cross-border firing, officials said, referring to the shelling which began in the early hours of Tuesday.

Three mortar shells landed in the&nbsp;border village of Pindi in Arnia sector of Jammu district today morning.

Pakistani Rangers started firing with small arms followed by mortars at one place and further spread to four or five places in Ramgarh and Arnia sectors of Samba and Jammu district from 0630 hours,&quot; DIG BSF (G) Dharmendra Pareek told PTI.

They fired 82 mm mortar bombs intermittently, Pareek said, adding that BSF had given them a befitting reply.

Local media reports said that Indian security forces killed two Pakistani soldiers and &quot;destroyed&quot; 14 of their posts in retaliation after the latest cross-border firing.

Pakistan said that six of its citizens had been killed by Indian gunfire on Monday and summoned a senior Indian diplomat to protest what it termed an unprovoked ceasefire violation.

India and Pakistan&#39;s armies have regularly exchanged fire across the LoC as well as along their undisputed part of the border since a militant attack on an Indian army base on September 18 that left 19 soldiers dead.

Eight members of the Indian troops have also died in the border skirmishes since September as both countries accuse each other of violating the ceasefire and engaging in &quot;unprovoked firing&quot;.

Pakistan on Monday said Indian troops had killed four civilians on its side of the border in Punjab province.

Relations between the two countries have worsened since the attack on the Indian army base, the deadliest in more than a decade. India has blamed Pakistan-based militants for the attack.

India said it responded by carrying out a &#39;surgical strike&#39;&nbsp;across the heavily-militarised border, although Islamabad denies this claim.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since 1947 with both claiming the territory in full.

Several rebel groups have fought for decades an estimated 500,000 Indian soldiers deployed in the Himalayan territory, demanding independence for the region or its merger with Pakistan.

There have been more that 60 ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops along the LoC and IB in the state since surgical strikes against terror launch pads by the Indian Army in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

(Agencies)

Pakistan had on Monday said that Indian troops killed four civilians on its side of the border in Punjab province

Indian authorities on Tuesday said that eight civilians had been killed after Pakistani mortar shells hit two areas in the disputed Kashmir region, as tensions soar between the nuclear-armed rivals. Two children and three adults were killed in the shelling near Jammu city in the Samba sector across the border with Pakistan's Punjab province, a top civil official, Pawan Kotwal, told AFP. Two women were also killed in the mountainous Rajouri district along the line of control (LoC), the de facto border in the disputed territory, Kotwal said. Many more were injured in the cross-border firing, officials said, referring to the shelling which began in the early hours of Tuesday. Three mortar shells landed in the border village of Pindi in Arnia sector of Jammu district today morning. Pakistani Rangers started firing with small arms followed by mortars at one place and further spread to four or five places in Ramgarh and Arnia sectors of Samba and Jammu district from 0630 hours," DIG BSF (G) Dharmendra Pareek told PTI. They fired 82 mm mortar bombs intermittently, Pareek said, adding that BSF had given them a befitting reply. Local media reports said that Indian security forces killed two Pakistani soldiers and "destroyed" 14 of their posts in retaliation after the latest cross-border firing. Pakistan said that six of its citizens had been killed by Indian gunfire on Monday and summoned a senior Indian diplomat to protest what it termed an unprovoked ceasefire violation. India and Pakistan's armies have regularly exchanged fire across the LoC as well as along their undisputed part of the border since a militant attack on an Indian army base on September 18 that left 19 soldiers dead. Eight members of the Indian troops have also died in the border skirmishes since September as both countries accuse each other of violating the ceasefire and engaging in "unprovoked firing". Pakistan on Monday said Indian troops had killed four civilians on its side of the border in Punjab province. Relations between the two countries have worsened since the attack on the Indian army base, the deadliest in more than a decade. India has blamed Pakistan-based militants for the attack. India said it responded by carrying out a 'surgical strike' across the heavily-militarised border, although Islamabad denies this claim. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since 1947 with both claiming the territory in full. Several rebel groups have fought for decades an estimated 500,000 Indian soldiers deployed in the Himalayan territory, demanding independence for the region or its merger with Pakistan. There have been more that 60 ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops along the LoC and IB in the state since surgical strikes against terror launch pads by the Indian Army in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. (Agencies)

8 civilians killed, 22 injured in Pakistani shelling: Indian officials

Government security forces in South Sudan executed civilians and gang -raped women and girls during and after heavy fighting last month in the capital Juba, the United Nations human rights chief said on Thursday. 
 
Zeid Ra&#39;ad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called on the government of President Salva Kiir to prosecute perpetrators and urged world powers to take &quot;urgent action&quot; to halt violence in the world`s newest state. 
 
&quot;While some civilians were killed in crossfire between the fighting forces, others were reportedly summarily executed by Government (SPLA) soldiers, who appear to have specifically targeted people of Nuer origin,&quot; Zeid said in a statement.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The fighting also resulted in widespread sexual violence, including rape and gang rape by soldiers in uniform and men in plain clothes.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on the South Sudanese government to prosecute those responsible

Government security forces in South Sudan executed civilians and gang -raped women and girls during and after heavy fighting last month in the capital Juba, the United Nations human rights chief said on Thursday. Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called on the government of President Salva Kiir to prosecute perpetrators and urged world powers to take "urgent action" to halt violence in the world`s newest state. "While some civilians were killed in crossfire between the fighting forces, others were reportedly summarily executed by Government (SPLA) soldiers, who appear to have specifically targeted people of Nuer origin," Zeid said in a statement. "The fighting also resulted in widespread sexual violence, including rape and gang rape by soldiers in uniform and men in plain clothes." (Reuters)

Security forces in South Sudan killed civilians, gang-raped women, says UN

The UN Security Council yesterday backed a call by the UN&#39;s top aid official for a humanitarian truce in Aleppo after four hospitals were bombed and civilians were killed by air strikes in the Syrian city. 
 
Warning that food will soon run out in Aleppo, UN aid chief Stephen O&#39;Brien called for 48-hour weekly humanitarian truces to prevent a &quot;medieval&quot; siege from taking hold. 
 
&quot;The international community simply cannot let eastern Aleppo city become yet another - and by far the largest - besieged area,&quot; O&#39;Brien told the council. 
 
&quot;This is medieval and shameful. We must not allow this to happen.&quot; 
 
O&#39;Brien, the UN&#39;s under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, said food supplies in rebel-held eastern Aleppo were expected to run out by the middle of August. 
 
Britain, France and the United States quickly endorsed the plan, and Japan&#39;s ambassador Koro Bessho, who holds the council presidency, said there was &quot;overwhelming support for the idea&quot; among the 15 council members. 
 
French ambassador Francois Delattre compared Aleppo&#39;s plight to that of Sarajevo during the Bosnian war and said &quot;the Security Council simply cannot accept such war crimes - yes, war crimes - to repeat again.&quot; 
 
Syrian regime forces seized the last remaining supply route to Aleppo this month and all humanitarian and commercial movements came to a halt on July 7. 
 
Syria and its allies are &quot;determined to besiege, starve and bomb Aleppo until they reach their military goal: eradicating the opposition. This is what the siege is all about,&quot; Delattre told reporters ahead of the meeting. 
 
Enough is enough 
 
Over the weekend, four hospitals were bombed in Aleppo, jeopardising medical care for more than 200,000 desperate civilians. 
 
On Monday, air strikes and barrel bombs killed 16 civilians in Aleppo, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 
 
&quot;Enough is enough now,&quot; British ambassador Matthew Rycroft said. 
 
Rycroft said the council was looking at possible action to address the crisis in Aleppo, but did not provide details. 
 
Council support for the proposed truces could lead to a draft resolution to enforce the UN plan, but it remained unlikely that Russia, Syria&#39;s ally, would back such a measure. 
 
Russia said the so-called Castello road that was seized by regime forces was a supply route for weapons to jihadists, including the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Nusra Front. 
 
Russian ambassador Vitaly Churkin nevertheless told the council that in Aleppo, &quot;there is a need there to prevent humanitarian disaster.&quot; 
 
The United States put the onus on Russia to persuade Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to halt attacks and re-open the Castello road. 
 
&quot;Russia, the Assad regime and other groups fighting around Aleppo should heed the UN call for a weekly 48-hour pause to allow for deliveries of essential supplies,&quot; said US ambassador Samantha Power. 
 
The council raised alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo on the eve of a meeting in Geneva between top US and Russian officials to try to lay the groundwork for a resumption of peace talks. 
 
More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria in the war, which is now in its sixth year, and more than half the country has been displaced. 
 
(AFP)

Warning that food will soon run out, UN aid chief Stephen O'Brien called for 48-hour weekly pauses for deliveries of essential supplies

The UN Security Council yesterday backed a call by the UN's top aid official for a humanitarian truce in Aleppo after four hospitals were bombed and civilians were killed by air strikes in the Syrian city. Warning that food will soon run out in Aleppo, UN aid chief Stephen O'Brien called for 48-hour weekly humanitarian truces to prevent a "medieval" siege from taking hold. "The international community simply cannot let eastern Aleppo city become yet another - and by far the largest - besieged area," O'Brien told the council. "This is medieval and shameful. We must not allow this to happen." O'Brien, the UN's under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, said food supplies in rebel-held eastern Aleppo were expected to run out by the middle of August. Britain, France and the United States quickly endorsed the plan, and Japan's ambassador Koro Bessho, who holds the council presidency, said there was "overwhelming support for the idea" among the 15 council members. French ambassador Francois Delattre compared Aleppo's plight to that of Sarajevo during the Bosnian war and said "the Security Council simply cannot accept such war crimes - yes, war crimes - to repeat again." Syrian regime forces seized the last remaining supply route to Aleppo this month and all humanitarian and commercial movements came to a halt on July 7. Syria and its allies are "determined to besiege, starve and bomb Aleppo until they reach their military goal: eradicating the opposition. This is what the siege is all about," Delattre told reporters ahead of the meeting. Enough is enough Over the weekend, four hospitals were bombed in Aleppo, jeopardising medical care for more than 200,000 desperate civilians. On Monday, air strikes and barrel bombs killed 16 civilians in Aleppo, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. "Enough is enough now," British ambassador Matthew Rycroft said. Rycroft said the council was looking at possible action to address the crisis in Aleppo, but did not provide details. Council support for the proposed truces could lead to a draft resolution to enforce the UN plan, but it remained unlikely that Russia, Syria's ally, would back such a measure. Russia said the so-called Castello road that was seized by regime forces was a supply route for weapons to jihadists, including the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Nusra Front. Russian ambassador Vitaly Churkin nevertheless told the council that in Aleppo, "there is a need there to prevent humanitarian disaster." The United States put the onus on Russia to persuade Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to halt attacks and re-open the Castello road. "Russia, the Assad regime and other groups fighting around Aleppo should heed the UN call for a weekly 48-hour pause to allow for deliveries of essential supplies," said US ambassador Samantha Power. The council raised alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo on the eve of a meeting in Geneva between top US and Russian officials to try to lay the groundwork for a resumption of peace talks. More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria in the war, which is now in its sixth year, and more than half the country has been displaced. (AFP)

UN Security Council backs call for Aleppo truce

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