The United States has blamed a lack of political commitment by Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad for pro-Turkish rebel factions taking control of much of the country's most populous city of Aleppo.
“The Assad regime’s continued refusal to initiate the political process outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and its reliance on Russia and Iran have created the conditions for what is now taking place, including the collapse of the Assad regime’s lines in northwest Syria,” the White House National Security Council said in a statement.
The White House also denied having anything to do with this offensive and urged the parties to reduce the escalation, protect civilians and minorities and begin a "serious and credible political process to end this civil war once and for all."
The United States has said it will continue to operate in Syria to defend its personnel and military positions within the country and to ensure that the Islamic State (IS), which in 2014 achieved worrying levels of territorial control, does not re-emerge.
The Islamist alliance Levant Liberation Organization and armed factions backed by Turkey have consolidated control of almost the entire city of Aleppo in northern Syria and the neighbouring province of Idlib after four days of offensive against the army of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The offensive, launched last Wednesday after days of intense bombing against the stronghold of the pro-Turkish factions, Idlib, has so far caused a death toll of around 350 on both sides, among which are about forty civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. EFE
US blames Assad's lack of political commitment for Aleppo loss
