Before and after: The destruction of a Syrian city

A ballistic missile strike in the Jabal Badro district in February killed scores of people. Credit: Amnesty International

Before and after images show the devastating effects of escalating violence in the Syrian city of Aleppo.

The satellite pictures, released by Amnesty International, reveal how parts of the city have been virtually wiped out following months of intense fighting.

The red dots show significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.

By March 1, 2013, few areas had escaped damage. Credit: Amnesty International

Amnesty International’s Senior Crisis Response Adviser Donatella Rovera, who recently returned to London from a visit to Aleppo, said: "Aleppo has been utterly devastated, its people fleeing the conflagration in huge numbers.

“The risk cited one year ago regarding the devastating consequences of turning what was Syria’s most populous city into a battlefield has become reality."

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Ard al-Hamra district before a missile strike on February 22. Credit: Amnesty International
At least 117 people died in a double strike here in Ard al-Hamra district and in Tariq al-Bab on February 22. Credit: Amnesty International

Three ballistic missile strikes in February 2013 killed more than 160 residents and injured hundreds more, flattening scores of homes.

Densely populated Tariq al-Bab district before and after the missile strike. Credit: Amnesty International

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Amnesty International estimates that across the country, almost six million Syrians have been forced to leave their homes.

The charity is warning of "grave risk" to the civilians who remain in Aleppo and has called on all parties to strictly adhere to humanitarian law.