UN: Civil War in Syria

For the first time a UN official admitted that Syrian government has lost control over major city areas and is in the midst of a civil war, even children are not spared.

After eight days of bombardment, Syrian government forces reclaimed the northwestern town of el-Haffeh on Wednesday, forcing rebels to stage a dawn retreat. UN officials who tried to reach the area got their vehicles stoned and hit with metal rods by an angry crowd. That lead United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations admit Syria conflict has reached to a state of civil war.

The conflict began in March 2011 when protesting crowds demanding a peaceful change in Tunisia and Egypt and the release of political prisoners were gunned down, arrested and tortured by Syrian government. Then came the armed movement to protect them, the Free Syrian Army battling back government forces as best they could.

Just a few days ago UN announced disturbing messages about children being used as human shields. That’s something even the representative of children and gun conflicts Radhika Coomaras, just came back from Syria, witnessed for the first time.  For the first time he witnessed how children are not spared but are set as a target.

UN workers also criticize Free Syria Army in recruiting children for medical and assistance jobs on the frontline of attacks.

By March 2012 the UN estimated that more than 9,000 Syrians had been killed in violence that in places could be described as a descent into civil war. Opposition groups estimate the death toll to range from at least 12,000 to more than 14,000.

US foreign minister Hillary Clinton accused Russia of supplying attack choppers for Syrian government. She said although UN has disapproved sending guns to Syria, but Moscow claimed they are not going to be used against their people.

Syria is one of the biggest fallers in the global peace index deteriorating from 2011 GPI up 31 places and now holds a 147-th place.