As the Assad troops, backed by Iranian militias and Russia, regained control over east Aleppo, alarming reports from the United Nations and other sources refer to cases of brutal execution of civilians on the spot, within their homes or while trying to flee from the conflict areas.
 
S&D vice-president, Victor Boştinaru, stated:
 
“We are appalled by the reported brutality of the Assad troops' acts in east Aleppo. These forces commit outspoken massacres against civilians, including women and children, who were determined not to leave their homes despite the long, heavy and indiscriminate bombardment of east Aleppo, or were simply trapped in the city by the siege and the absence of a corridor to escape. We are equally concerned about the fate of people that might be sent to detention centres and tortured.
 
“Europe cannot stay silent in front of this terror. Aleppo cannot become a mass grave; civilians must be protected and brought to safety and extrajudicial killings must not be tolerated. We call on the European Council to strongly condemn these crimes and to underline that accountability will be ensured and those responsible will face justice for the war crimes and crimes against humanity they are perpetrating. Those states supporting the Assad regime also have responsibilities in this respect and this fact should not be forgotten. Concrete actions need to be taken now.
 
“The deal reached with the rebels, even though at the very last moment, provides a glimmer of hope that a political solution can be found to end the civil conflict in Aleppo that has brought so much suffering, destruction and death. The EU needs to put its political weight behind these efforts and immediate access for humanitarian assistance should be guaranteed for the suffering civilians in Aleppo and throughout Syria.”