Your trusted source

The Armenian community is Syria is bracing itself for a possible strike by the US, which is posturing to attack after claiming that the Syrian regime is responsible for an alleged chemical attack near Damascus last week, Asbarez News reported.

Life in Aleppo continues to worsen as roads leading into the city remain closed due to clashes between government and rebel forces vying for control. This has resulted in further scarcity in food and fuel, explained Zarmig Bighikian, a writer at the Aleppo-based Gandzasar Magazine.

“Only three central bread making bakeries are operating in the city, with long lines. The price of fruits and vegetables are skyrocketing with limited quantity and variety. Same can be said about dairy and meat products,” explained Boghikian, who added that an effort by the authorities to provide fuel to residents has been halted due to the escalation of clashes.

Despite these obstacles, Boghikian reported that Armenians in Aleppo are continuing to find a semblance of life. School in Aleppo, including all Armenian schools, have announced dates for re-opening.

“Enrollment of students has already begun and efforts are under way to organize the reopening of Armenian schools, including enrollment procedures and procuring of textbooks for the students,” said Boghikian.

The Gandzasar contributor told RFE/RL on Wednesday that the community is worried about a possible US strike on Syria.

“We are neutral but concerned because those strikes will target the whole country. Leaders of the Armenian community are telling people to be cautious and don’t leave their homes too often for the next few days,” Boghikian told RFE/RL.

“Many people are thinking about fleeing but that’s impossible to do in Aleppo now because the roads are closed,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesman Tigran Balayan announced that Armenia’s diplomatic missions—the Embassy in Damascus and Consulate in Aleppo—are continuing to operate. He, however, did not indicate any government plans regarding the possibility of US attacks.