Tri-Service

Government Urged To Help Aleppo Before It's Too Late

Free Syrian Army Assad Syrian Army Forces

Ministers will face pressure today to help rescue civilians from the bombarded Syrian city of Aleppo amid growing concern that regime forces are committing atrocities as they retake previously rebel-held areas.

The Russian-backed Syrian military has announced it has gained control of 99% of the former opposition enclave of east Aleppo and its victory in the crucial battleground now appears inevitable.

United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon has raised concerns over reports of "atrocities against a large number of civilians, including women and children".

Mr Ban stressed that civilians must be protected and aimed his remarks particularly at the Syrian government and its allies.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said tens of thousands of civilians trapped in the city "have literally nowhere safe to run" and urged fighters to observe "the basic rules of warfare - and of humanity".

"We urge the parties to consider the fate of civilians trapped by the ongoing fighting and do their utmost to spare and protect them. This may be the last chance to save lives."

On Monday, an administrator at the last functioning clinic in east Aleppo said medical staff were taking cover from advancing Syrian troops.

Mohammed Abu Rajab said in an exchange of text messages with The Associated Press that the clinic had been overwhelmed by the number of those wounded and that the dead and injured were now being left in the streets.

It comes after a large-scale offensive by Syrian troops and militias backed by Russian air strikes tipped the balance in the four-year battle for the city.

As the siege reaches its endgame, ministers will face calls to help civilians in an emergency Commons debate on the humanitarian crisis.

Former Cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell will press the Government and international community to do more to alleviate the suffering of those trapped in the "hell hole".

The Tory former international development secretary will urge the UK to use its "immense diplomatic muscle" to help secure a ceasefire in the city.

The debate was granted shortly after Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon warned it was "almost impossible" to use air drops to get aid into the city while Russia controlled the air defences in Syria. Mr Mitchell said:

"The debate would enable us to explore with the Government how Britain's immense diplomatic muscle, the finest foreign service in the world, can do more to secure a deal that will ensure a ceasefire for at least 24 hours to enable innocent civilians to be rescued from the hideous circumstances which now prevail in east Aleppo".

He cited reports that sarin and chlorine gas have been used in the city, which would constitute a war crime, as evidence of the need for immediate action. He said:

"Many of these terrified civilians trapped in this hell hole, which now resembles Stalingrad at the end of its destruction, are children. They have few places to hide."

With temperatures plummeting to below freezing in Aleppo, Mr Mitchell said it was not a question that "something must be done" but rather "what in the name of humanity we the international community will do to save those who today are in such dreadful jeopardy".

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has described the situation in Aleppo as "dire" and demanded that the Assad regime and its backers allow humanitarian access.

The ICRC's Pawel Krzysiek said more and more civilians will suffer and have to make "impossible choices" as government forces retake areas. Speaking from regime-held west Aleppo, he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme:

"We fear that there are still people trapped on the other side, we fear that their lives may be at risk and there must be a solution. We as the ICRC are ready to help parties to implement but this solution must be found now, this agreement between the warring sides must be found now".