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The Siege of Syria: The reality of survival for residents in Homs

One finite ceasefire in one pocket of conflict in the Syrian war brings food to people in the Old City of Homs and exposes the true cost of war ... one missed meal at a time. Today ... the deprivation, the starvation and questionable salvation in a war where they are talking peace even as the fighting goes on....
CBC Radio ·
One finite ceasefire in one pocket of conflict in the Syrian war brings food to people in the Old City of Homs and exposes the true cost of war ... one missed meal at a time. Today ... the deprivation, the starvation and questionable salvation in a war where they are talking peace even as the fighting goes on.

"Thirteen blocks have been under siege for over 650 days ... prevented food, mostly power, electricity and communications. Nothing but destroyed areas and destroyed buildings are there".Tarek, resident of Homs just outside besieged neighbourhood

Thick crowds of desperate women, men, and children, milled around transport waiting to take at least some of them out of the city of Homs, Syria. One particular area, Old Homs, has endured a siege since June 2012.

Mothers and fathers wept as they said farewell to children. And this misery was actually a kind of good news for a change. A truce between the Syrian government and opposition allowed hundreds of civilians to leave.

Food and medical supplies were allowed in. Initially in place for just three days, the ceasefire was extended another three days ... but ended yesterday.

Tarek is a resident of Homs who lives a few kilometres outside of the besieged neighbourhood. We're withholding his full name to protect his safety.

Matthew Hollingworth, the head of the World Food Programme's operations in Syria is one of the people who escorted civilians out of Homs. He describes the place as resembling Stalingrad at the end of the Second World War.

Dina Elkassaby is a public information officer with the World Food Programme. She was in Damascus.


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This segment was produced by The Current's Gord Westmacott and Pacinthe Mattar.



Factboard: Lessons in War under Siege







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