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August 6, 2013

Syrian Rebels Claim Key Air Base; Reports Emerge of New Abuses on Both Sides of Conflict 
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Rebel fighters in Syria have taken control of a key air base in the
province of Aleppo, a significant gain that follows a series of recent
losses to the regime of President Bashar al Assad. The news comes as new
reports find both sides are continuing to commit abuses. Human Rights
Watch says the Syrian military is firing ballistic missiles into
populated areas, killing civilians, while the United Nations high
commissioner for human rights has called for an independent probe into
claims rebels executed dozens of government soldiers in Aleppo province.
Navi Pillay called the alleged killings "further evidence that flagrant
violations of international humanitarian and human rights law committed
by all parties have tragically become the norm in the Syrian conflict."

 

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