Snapshot 10 June - 17 June 2013
In Syria, heavy shelling was reported in the provinces of Aleppo, Damascus, Dar’a, Deir-ez-Zor, Homs, and Rural Damascus. Heavy fighting continued in Aleppo governorate, in the towns of Hraytan, Kafr Hamra and Atareb. Meanwhile, the U.S. officially stated their readiness to supply weapons to the Syrian opposition after evidence of the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian forces was ascertained. According to the latest UNHCR figures, the number of Syrian refugees registered or awaiting registration surpassed 1.6 million; inside Syria, an estimated 40,000 people have reportedly been displaced from the al-Qusayr area in May.
Last week, Sudan officially informed South Sudan that it would stop allowing its neighbor to export crude through its territory within two months unless Juba gave up support for insurgents operating across their shared border. If implemented, the oil stoppage would cut off the crude and transit fees that are both countries' principal source of foreign income. By the end of the week, Juba and Khartoum appeared ready to allow the African Union to mediate the conflict. Meanwhile, heavy fighting has been reported in Darfur between the Salamat and Misseriya tribes, resulting in new displacement. In South Kordofan, an estimated 50,000 people have been displaced in late May as a result notably of heavy fighting between the Government and the rebels in Rashad County where the village of Abu Karshola is located.
Updated: 17/06/2013 Next update: 24/06/2013
