BEIRUT — Syrian troops shelled and raided opposition areas and clashed with rebel fighters across the country Thursday despite U.N. efforts to stop the bloodshed so aid could reach suffering civilians.
Activists cited the fresh violence in dismissing a U.N. Security Council statement calling for a cease-fire to allow for dialogue between all sides on a political solution. The government of President Bashar Assad also played down the statement, saying Damascus is under no threats or ultimatums.
In a statement that signaled a marked shift in Russia’s stance, senior lawmaker Mikhail Margelov said Thursday that Assad must pull his forces out of cities and allow humanitarian assistance.
Mounting international condemnation of Assad’s regime and high-level diplomacy have failed to ease the year-old Syria conflict, which the U.N. says has killed more than 8,000 people. Activists reported dozens of people killed Thursday, including at least 12 government soldiers.
