A/HRC/22/59 C. Use of snipers in Aleppo city 113. As detailed above, both Government forces and anti-Government armed groups are using snipers to control movement of people in Aleppo city. A limited number of reports were received which indicated that interviewees were hit by fire from anti-Government armed group fighters. In such cases, it was apparent that the conduct of those injured ought to have led to the presumption of their civilian status. 114. The firing on an individual by a sniper is inherently deliberate and targeted. There is a reasonable basis to believe that the firing on civilians by snipers constitute attacks that are, at the very least, indiscriminate as to their target, and were carried out recklessly, or the deliberate targeting of civilians as the object of the attack. Patterns of sniping continue to be the subject of further investigation. Findings 115. There are reasonable grounds to believe that anti-Government armed groups have conducted hostilities in a manner that is in violation of international humanitarian law. The use of car bombs and improvised explosive devices in densely populated urban areas spreads terror among the civilian population and can amount to the war crime of attacking civilians. 116. Organized anti-Government armed groups have concrete obligations under the law of armed conflict. In conducting hostilities against Government forces and affiliated militia, anti-Government armed groups have exposed civilians to the ravages of war. 117. The use of snipers to control movement of persons and assert control over urban areas has endangered civilians and hindered civilian activity in densely populated urban areas, particularly Aleppo city. The conduct of anti-Government armed groups has contributed to the increase in violence and danger to civilians that has characterized the evolving dynamics of the conflict. 118. There are reasonable grounds to believe that anti-Government armed groups have committed the war crime of attacking civilians. Investigations relating to the conduct of hostilities by anti-Government armed groups are on-going. III. Other perpetrators 119. There has been an increase in attacks in which no parties claim responsibility and which do not appear to have any military or strategic objective, beyond their primary purpose to spread terror among the civilian population. Of particular concern are attacks that may foment sectarian tensions. Such attacks are not motivated by any military or strategic gain, but rather by a wanton and menacing disregard for human life. It has become increasingly evident that the proliferation of foreign fighters and extremist groups has altered the character of the conflict. A. Bombings and other attacks 120. On 21 October, at least one car bomb was reported as having exploded outside a police station in Bab Touma, a predominantly Christian neighbourhood in Damascus. Media reported that 13 people were killed and 29 injured. 104 GE.13-10627