A Deeply Disturbing Narrative of the Killing in Aleppo is Emerging on Twitter

CNN

As social media's prevalence across the world increases, we're getting used to seeing hardships, disasters and, indeed, wars being filtered through them, and Twitter is particularly notorious for this. Perhaps because it's the most accessible, or the most directly linked to news reporting, people have used it to broadcast information about events as they unfold more than any other platform. Aleppo is no exception.

I would like to thank all the humans whose stood for the humanity with our case, i will never forget you if we passed to the other life

— Monther Etaky (@montheretaky) December 12, 2016

It's been confirmed that a ceasefire has now been reached in the war ravaged Syrian city, but in the run up to this decision, Syrian military forces closed in on rebel-held bunkers and regions throughout the city, with thousands of civilians still caught in the crossfire. As the combat intensified, many people decided to use Twitter to broadcast messages for their friends and families, messages which inevitably ended up reaching a far wider audience.

Some messages addressed the intended recipients directly, while others commented more broadly on everything that's been happening in Aleppo, and Syria at large. For some it's a new way of making their voices heard, but many have been at it for months, it's only over the past few days that the tweets have been brought to wider attention by the media.

The army is so near now. I don't know what to do. only way to flee is to regime side which I fear coz they will kill me. - Fatemah #Aleppo

— Bana Alabed (@AlabedBana) December 11, 2016

The UN have reported that 82 civilians have died at the hands of the pro-Assad forces which have stormed the city, aided by Russia, who have been sending in air strikes. People have caught in explosions, killed by crossfire or just shot on sight in their homes.

Many are using Twitter to appeal to Western leaders directly, but the most repeated sentiment being expressed is this - people genuinely do not know if they will survive this. It's deeply harrowing, and this is a very new, very direct way to view it from an outside perspective. Throughout the Syrian conflict, information has been manipulated by the media to lead us in one direction or another, but this Twitter activity is free from bias, and it sends a clear message - innocent people are scared, trapped, and dying, and nothing is being done.

the last massage. Thanks for everything. we shared many moments. The last tweets were from an emotiomal father. Farewell, #Aleppo

— @Mr.Alhamdo (@Mr_Alhamdo) December 12, 2016

Many are calling for a 'humanitarian corridor' which would allow civilians safe passage out, and aid in. Since the ceasefire, negotiations on that count seem to have dried up, and it's unclear at this stage whether the pro-Assad are still raiding homes, or how long it will be before the fighting starts again.

The government have claimed that civilians are free to enter safe zones held by them throughout the city, but many refuse to do so for fear of being imprisoned, tortured or killed.

Callum Davies

Callum is a film school graduate who is now making a name for himself as a journalist and content writer. His vices include flat whites and 90s hip-hop. Follow him @Songbird_Callum

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