UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced alarm over reports of atrocities against a large number of civilians including women and children in Aleppo. <br/><br/>Mr Ban urged all the sides, particularly Syria's government and its allies to protect civilians. In a statement, Mr Ban's spokesman said, the secretary-general has instructed his special envoy for Syria to follow up urgently with the parties concerned. <br/><br/>Rebels have now lost more than 90% of the territory. The Syrian Observatory said, at least 415 civilians and 364 rebel fighters have been killed in rebel-held areas since 15 November. <br/>

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced alarm over reports of atrocities against a large number of civilians including women and children in Aleppo. <br/><br/>Mr Ban urged all the sides, particularly Syria's government and its allies to protect civilians. In a statement, Mr Ban's spokesman said, the secretary-general has instructed his special envoy for Syria to follow up urgently with the parties concerned. <br/><br/>Rebels have now lost more than 90% of the territory. The Syrian Observatory said, at least 415 civilians and 364 rebel fighters have been killed in rebel-held areas since 15 November. <br/>