The UN special envoy for Syria called on Thursday for an “immediate de-escalation” of violence in Syria after the attack on a military academy in the city of Homs (centre) left more than 110 people dead.
“Today’s horrific scenes are a reminder of the need for an immediate de-escalation of violence, a nationwide ceasefire and a cooperative approach to combating terrorist groups listed on the UN Security Council. Security,” said Geir Pedersen in a press release published in Geneva.
“All parties must respect their obligations under international law and ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he added, saying he was “deeply concerned by today’s escalation of violence in Syria.”
“I deeply regret the loss of life on both sides. “I urgently appeal to all parties to exercise utmost restraint,” he said.
The attack on a promotion ceremony for regime officials in Homs, which left “112 dead, including 21 civilians” and at least 120 injured, was attributed to “terrorist organizations” by the Syrian army, which vowed to “respond vigorously.” According to the army, the attack was unclaimed and was carried out “with the help of drones loaded with explosives.”
Government forces responded with bombings that residents said targeted the Idlib region, the country’s last rebel stronghold in the northwest, leaving eight dead and 30 injured.
The conflict in Syria has killed more than half a million people since it began in 2011 due to the brutal crackdown on anti-government protests.