This is What’s Trending Today:
“This may be my last video.”
That was the message that Lina Shamy sent out on Monday in a Twitter video from Aleppo, Syria.
Shamy is a supporter of the Syrian rebels fighting against President Bashar Al-Assad.
In her video message, she asked for the world to protest against the attacks by Assad’s forces and his allies. Her message has been retweeted more than 30,000 times.
Syrian pro-government forces walk in Aleppo’s Bustan al-Qasr neighborhood after they captured the area in the eastern part of the war torn city, Dec. 13, 2016.
She was not alone.
Many other people posted videos of what they thought could be their last communication from Aleppo. Shootings and explosions can be heard in the background.
Many had the same message. “This may be my last call.” “Final message … I am very surprised I am tweeting right now and still alive.” “Farewell #Aleppo.”
The messages came out this week as fighting started again in Aleppo following a short ceasefire.
Russia and Turkey worked to make the ceasefire agreement. It was meant to let civilians and rebels leave the city freely and safely. Buses were waiting to take people away. Turkey said it would set up temporary shelters for up to 80,000 refugees fleeing Aleppo.
Officials on both sides of the conflict blamed each other for breaking the ceasefire agreement. Russia said the rebels attacked Syrian government positions. Turkey said that government forces attacked first.
A human rights group in Syria said airplanes bombed the small section of Aleppo still controlled by those opposing Assad.
The United Nations said it received a report saying soldiers fighting for Assad killed 82 civilians on Monday.
Lina Shamy herself continues to post messages and videos on Twitter. On Wednesday, she again urged her followers around the world to “do something.”
And that’s What’s Trending Today.
I’m Kelly Jean Kelly.
Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.
What do you think about the news this week from Aleppo? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on
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Words in This Story
farewell – n. an act of leaving