The middle-east region continues to be destabilized as a fresh new fight begins between Syrian rebels and President Assad’s government, which has also drawn in both Russia and Iran. It marks the most significant fighting within Syria in recent years.

Last week, Syrian rebels launched a shock offensive, taking hold of the city of Aleppo. Since then, at least 446 people including civilians and military personnel have been killed according to The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Observatory has confirmed that five children and three women were among the civilians killed by bombardment and airstrikes.

In response to the rebels, Russia has launched a series of deadly airstrikes on the city. Russia has been a strong ally of Syrian incumbent President Bashar al-Assad since the conflict began in 2011.

Iran-backed militant groups have also entered Syria from Iraq in support of the Assad regime.

As fighting rages on in the region, the U.S. and other Western governments have said they are “closely monitoring developments in Syria and urge de-escalation by all parties and the protection of civilians and infrastructure to prevent further displacement and disruption of humanitarian access.”

In a statement, the U.S., French, German and British governments said, “The current escalation only underscores the urgent need for a Syrian-led political solution to the conflict.”

Meanwhile, Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan has called on the Syrian government and opposition to reach a compromise, confirming Turkey would be willing to help facilitate discussions.

While Turkey has been keen to play a mediator role in such conflicts in recent years, it has been accused of playing a destabilizing role in northern Syria due to its campaign against Kurdish separatists.

On Monday, a Syrian opposition leader vowed that the rebels will keep fighting until the Syrian government commits to the UN peace process and a political transition. He did however say the group was open to negotiations.

In a televised news conference, Hadi al Bahri said, “We are ready to negotiate starting tomorrow.”