Syrian civil war

Deadly airstrike hits Northern Syria town

At least eight people have been reported killed, and more injured after a double airstrike hit the town of Azaz in Northern Syria.

RT,

15 August, 2012

Video released from the scene shows locals searching through massive piles of debris for survivors, while carrying any survivors to help.

According to witness reports, a single plane carried out two strikes on Wednesday, demolishing many homes and other structures. 

The exact number of casualties remains unclear. Some reports say at least 30 have been killed in the strike, but the Associated Press reporters at the site have only confirmed eight deaths so far.

Azaz, which is situated some 30 miles north of Aleppo, has been under rebel control since insurrectionists pushed out government forces last month.

It is not known if the strike targeted any specific locations, but according to AP reporters, one of the sites is close to a local office used by rebel forces.

REUTERS / Goran Tomasevic

REUTERS / Goran Tomasevic

REUTERS / Goran Tomasevic

REUTERS / Goran Tomasevic

More Than 30 Kidnapped: Is Syria’s War Spreading to Lebanon?

Anti War,

15 August, 2012

There has been some on-and-off violence in Lebanon related to the Syrian Civil War before, but today’s announcement by the Meqdad Clan that they had kidnapped some 30 people they suspected of belonging to the Free Syrian Army (FSA).

The vast majority of the captives were Syrians, but the militia also kidnapped a Saudi Arabian and one Turkish citizen as well. The group’s statement threatened more moves against Saudi, Turkish and Qatari citizens.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, the members of the GCC, have all issued statements urging their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately, saying that threats against them are getting worse.

The GCC and Turkey have been openly backing the FSA in the civil war, while the Meqdad Clan, one of Lebanon’s most powerful Shi’ite families, supports the Assad regime. As the sectarian war in Syria continues to worsen, it is sure to continue fanning the flames of tension on the other side of the border as well.