Situation in Aleppo moves Swedish minister to tears

By Atila Altuntas

STOCKHOLM

Swedish Culture and Democracy Minister Alice Bah Kuhnke had tears in her eyes Thursday when she spoke about the situation in Syria's Aleppo.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency in Stockholm, Kuhnke, visibly shaken, said: "I cannot find the words to describe the situation. Terrible. It's turned to hell."

"We must prevent bombs on children and civilians as soon as possible. [...] We are facing an inhuman tragedy," she added.

Violence has escalated in the city since Monday despite condemnations worldwide as Syrian regime forces advanced into opposition-held parts of eastern Aleppo following a five-month siege and persistent aerial bombardment.

Evacuations have proved difficult to achieve as fighting has only ceased intermittently.

The Russian-backed regime had been trying to reestablish control over parts of Aleppo captured four years ago by armed opposition groups.