Dozens of Aleppo civilians were reportedly executed as Syrian government forces closed in

By Mike Denison

December 13, 2016 07:50 AM EST

Every hour, butcheries are carried out.

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights

Syrian government forces are close to taking total control of Aleppo from rebels, and civilians are reportedly facing mass executions.

The United Nations said Tuesday that it had received reports of 82 civilians being shot on sight on Monday. Many were killed in their homes, CNN reports.

The U.N. was unable to confirm the casualty reports, but Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his concern in a statement.

Only one Aleppo neighborhood is still held by rebel forces, and that last holdout seems doomed to fall soon, after four years of fighting with forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Humanitarian groups have pleaded for a safe passage for about 100,000 civilians trapped in the eastern half of Aleppo, once the most-populated city in Syria and the nation's commercial hub.

We can't believe the world's most powerful countries can't get 100.000 civilians to safety that is 4 KM away! #SaveAleppo pic.twitter.com/RAvyRHJeO0
— The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) December 13, 2016

The White Helmets volunteer rescue group condemned the lack of international intervention.

There is no total number of casualties in Besieged #Aleppo today, all streets & destroyed buildings are full with dead bodies. It's hell.
— The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) December 13, 2016

The situation in the city is still nightmarish.

A ceasefire has reportedly been negotiated in Syria after reports of civilian executions

WATCH | Here's a look at the government forces attempting to retake the city.

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This image released by the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) shows Syrians who were displaced with their families from eastern Aleppo gathering at the collective shelter, in the village of Jibreen south of Aleppo, Syria, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. Syria's military said Monday it has regained control of 98 percent of eastern Aleppo, as government forces close in the last remaining sliver of a rebel enclave packed with fighters as well as tens of thousands of civilians. (ICRC via AP)

This photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian troops and pro-government gunmen marching through the streets of east Aleppo, Syria, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. Syria's military said Monday it has regained control of 98 percent of eastern Aleppo, as government forces close in the last remaining sliver of a rebel enclave packed with fighters as well as tens of thousands of civilians. (SANA via AP)

This photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian soldiers and civilians marching through the streets of east Aleppo, Syria, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. Syria's military said Monday it has regained control of 98 percent of eastern Aleppo, as government forces close in the last remaining sliver of a rebel enclave packed with fighters as well as tens of thousands of civilians. (SANA via AP)

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, a Syrian soldier carries a wounded woman in eastern Aleppo, Syria, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. Syria's military said Monday it has regained control of 98 percent of eastern Aleppo, as government forces close in the last remaining sliver of a rebel enclave packed with fighters as well as tens of thousands of civilians. (SANA via AP)

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian troops march through the streets of east Aleppo, Syria, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. Syria's military said Monday it has regained control of 98 percent of eastern Aleppo, as government forces close in the last remaining sliver of a rebel enclave packed with fighters as well as tens of thousands of civilians. (SANA via AP)

These photos show displaced civilians and troops in Aleppo, courtesy of the International Committee for the Red Cross.

this is a call and might be the last call.
Save Aleppo people. Save my daughter and other children. #StandWithAleppo
— @Mr.Alhamdo (@Mr_Alhamdo) December 12, 2016

Many residents have posted what are believed to be their last words on Twitter.

We're deeply frustrated, but we're not surprised by this lack of Russian and regime commitment to what should be a humane solution.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby

The United States and Russia have attempted to establish a ceasefire in the region, but have been unable to come to an agreement. On Sunday, they appeared close, but U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said the Russians imposed unacceptable delays and the deal fell through.

Aleppo

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Mike Denison

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