UN fears Syrian conflict poses ‘global threat’

The United Nations says August was the bloodiest month of the conflict in Syria so far.

The world body estimates around 1,600 people were killed during the last week of August alone, and puts the total number of deaths during the 18-month uprising at around 20,000.

Along with the high death toll, around 250,000 people are thought to have fled the country, with 100,000 of those leaving in August.

The news comes on a day that has seen intense fighting in cities across Syria. The UN says military operations now encompass all major cities and warned that a worsening “grim spiral of violence” could threaten the country’s neighbours.

Lakhadar Brahimi, who replaced Kofi Annan as the UN-Arab League representative, said the escalating conflict posed a “global threat.”

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