UN raises concerns over fighting in Syria

United Nations' Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk has raised concerns following reports of deadly attacks in Syria by both pro-government and rebel forces which have resulted in at least 44 civilian casualties, including 12 children and seven women.

"Our office has documented a number of extremely concerning incidents resulting in multiple civilian casualties, including a high number of women and children, stemming from attacks by both Hayat Tahrir al-Shams and by pro-government forces," Turk's spokesperson Jeremy Laurence told a Geneva press briefing.

As the UN attempts to verify the incidents, the Syrian opposition-run rescue service known as The White Helmets has accused warplanes of hitting residential areas of Aleppo, along with medical facilities and a displaced people's camp in Idlib province resulting in several fatalities, including children. Drone footage they released showed smoke rising and damage over the Idlib university hospital.

In rebel-held Aleppo, Syrian local media says insurgents have formed a so-called "military government" and imposed a curfew, prompting thousands of residents to flee in search of safety.

"It is dangerous to escape now, because people have to take another unsafe route where there may be snipers at any time," Aleppo resident Rama warned, "especially after the anti-government forces recently took control of the area. These are the risks we may face."

Meanwhile, a food crisis is looming in the city as residents struggle to snap up essential supplies amid the ongoing conflict. The UN says more than 48,000 people have been displaced in the country so far and key infrastructure points, including schools and water stations, have been damaged as the fighting continues.

Rebels have already captured a swathe of land across the north-west of the country, and say they're making further gains. However, the Syrian government says it has killed hundreds of fighters in recent days and the country's state news agency says the army is reinforcing defensive lines in the countryside surrounding the central city of Hama ahead of a planned attack.

Meanwhile, sources say at least 300 Iran-backed Iraqi fighters have now crossed into Syria to support the military. Troops such as these proved key to the success of pro-government forces when rebels rose up against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. 

However, with Russian support stretched due to the conflict in Ukraine and Hezbollah's leadership in Lebanon refusing to send troops, it remains to be seen what impact they will have.