Members of the United Nations Security Council are divided over the recent escalation of fighting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government and opposition forces.

At an emergency council meeting on Tuesday, Russia said fighting must continue, while the United States called for an end to airstrikes.

Hostilities have intensified in Syria since November 27, when anti-government forces took control of most of Aleppo, a key city in the country’s north.

Government troops responded with massive airstrikes and other operations.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia said: “This fight must continue against the terrorist groups listed by the Security Council,” reaffirming Russia’s commitment to support the Syrian government, particularly militarily.

Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood called for an end to the airstrikes, saying they caused civilian casualties.

He said: “The Council must speak with one voice and demand that all parties cease their brutal air attacks and adhere to international law. »

Wood added that the fact that the rebel offensive is led by a group designated by the United States and the United Nations as a terrorist organization “does not justify further atrocities committed by the Assad regime and its Russian backers.”

However, he also acknowledged that the United States was “obviously” concerned about the group leading the offensive.

The U.N. special envoy for Syria and other Security Council members have called for a political resolution.