The Syrian army has said that recent advances against the self-proclaimed Islamic State northeast of Aleppo are a starting point for further operations against the extremist group.<br /><br /> The price is evident from the destruction of the northern city – its historical and commercial core now in ruins. The UN estimates it represents almost 15 percent of total damage in the six-year war.<br /><br /> The army’s general command has said it recently recaptured more than 30 towns and farms in the advance towards al-Bab. It’s brought government forces close to areas where Turkish-backed fighters are battling ISIL separately.<br /><br /> Videos released on the internet purport to show some of those rebels in operations against the militants near al-Bab earlier this week.<br /><br /> The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has called upon the world to show solidarity with displaced Syrians and focus on the peace process.<br /><br /> The head of the UN refugee agency was visiting the Jibreen shelter on the outskirts of Aleppo.<br /><br /> “When you see this destruction you really understand what being a refugee mean and why it is so important to show solidarity and not rejection, to provide them with asylum when possible and not push them back across borders,” Grandi said.<br /><br /> The Jibreen shelter houses five thousand people displaced from their homes, many of them women and children.<br /><br /> The Syrian army recaptured eastern Aleppo last month after a deal was struck to evacuate rebels to Idlib.<br />
