New SARG-Russo Offensive leads to a Mass Civilian Exodus from Aleppo

It was reported that nearly 70,000 Syrian civilians have fled southern Aleppo in the last two days. This was in response to the recent SARG offensive that has been reinforced by Russian air support. Russian air strikes in Syria have been highly devastating and primarily aimed at areas controlled by the moderate Syrian opposition. Today’s strikes have supported the current offensive by SARG, Hezbollah, and Iranian forces. Today’s exodus by residents of Aleppo adds to an already bleak situation.
As of late, the Russian government has echoed the SARG argument that they are only targeting “terrorists;” however, their targeting of the Syrian opposition has suggested the opposite. Russian air support has targeted primarily areas held by the moderate Syrian opposition. According to the US State department, approximately 90% of the air strikes have not targeted extremist groups such as ISIS or al Nusra. Early reports also indicate that recent Russian bombing runs have resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties.
Today’s exodus of 70,000 people adds to the already grave situation for Syrians and will likely add to the 4,180,631 Syrian refugees that are registered as refugees with the UNHCR. Those fleeing Syria now, if they can make it to Turkey, will arrive to camps and a Turkish society that is already strained. Turkey is attempting to build new camps to house Syrian refugees; however, their efforts may not meet the needs of those fleeing Syria. Yesterday the Guardian quoted Turkish Prime Minister Davutoglu as saying, “It is our priority that steps will be taken to prevent an increase of refugees from Aleppo due to the offensive [there] by Iranian militia, Isis and Russian attacks.” How Turkey plans to keep refugee numbers from growing is unknown, but does reflect statement that the situation is untenable for Turkish authorities and their “Open Door” policy.
Poor conditions for refugees in Turkey, and in other nations surrounding Syria, have resulted in growing efforts made by Syrian refugees to leave Turkey in hopes of finding refuge in places inside Europe. This trend has received a mixed response in Europe with even seemingly hospitable nations like Germany and Sweden voicing concerns. Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel is imploring Turkey to continue supporting Syrian refugee operations in Turkey and also to allow those that are rejected from Europe to return to Turkey.
The current SARG offensive backed by Russia, Hezbollah, Iran, and assorted foreign militias, will exacerbate the current trend for Syrians to flee their homes. According to Dr. Zaidoun al-Zoabi, people are not just fleeing Aleppo, but also areas near Homs, Hama, and Latakia. In all likelihood these people are fleeing to Turkey, which is reticent to accept them.