A/HRC/24/46 2. Anti-government armed groups 169. In Hatla (Dayr az Zawr), Shia homes and religions sites were deliberately destroyed after clashes on 10 and 11 May (see annex II). Groups affiliated with Jabhat Al-Nusra committed the crimes. D. Illegal weapons 170. Allegations were received regarding the use of chemical weapons, predominantly by government forces. On the evidence currently available, it was not possible to reach a finding about the chemical agents used, their delivery systems or the perpetrators. Investigations are ongoing. E. Sieges and attacks on food security 171. Sieges continued to be imposed across the country, with harrowing consequences for civilians. The use of starvation as a method of warfare is prohibited under the laws of war. Parties to the conflict must allow the unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief. 1. (a) Government and pro-government forces Sieges 172. Government and pro-government forces laid siege to towns and villages in Homs, Damascus, Dara’a, Al-Qunaytirah and Dayr az Zawr. Such sieges appeared to be calculated to render the conditions of life unbearable, forcing civilians to flee. 173. Most recorded sieges were in Homs, where supplies of food, water, fuel, medicine and electricity have been blocked or drastically curtailed since late 2012. Government forces, supported by Hizbullah, intensified sieges and imposed new ones in the weeks leading up to ground attacks. This strategy was particularly visible in relation to the May attack on Al Qusayr (see annex III). 174. In May, as military operations in the Al Qusayr area commenced, sieges intensified in Al-Talif and Al-Buweydah. In Al-Talif, supplies of food were blocked by soldiers stationed at Jibreen checkpoint. In May, government forces seized Abel village and a siege was imposed on Al-Buweydah. Opposition-controlled areas of Homs city remain under siege. 175. In May, soldiers and pro-government forces imposed sieges in areas north-east of Damascus city, where displaced persons from Al Qusayr had fled. In the Al-Qalamoun area, government-controlled checkpoints prevented the flow of food and medicine. Hizbullah fighters reinforced the siege of Harasta and Dumah in eastern Damascus countryside. Areas of southern Damascus, including Yarmuk and Al-Asali, as well as Muadamiyah, in western Damascus countryside, remained besieged. 176. In Dara’a, government checkpoints enforced a siege on Dara’a city and on Al-Lijah villages. In Damascus and Dara’a governorates, armed groups were periodically able to smuggle food to civilians. 177. In Al-Qunaytirah, a siege was imposed on Masharah. Government forces prevented incoming supplies of food, water, fuel and medicine. In addition, the village water tower and electricity generator were shelled. 21