http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/14/middleeast/aleppo-fighting/
Residents of war-ravaged eastern Aleppo were waiting anxiously on Monday after receiving a terrifying text message telling them to flee or die. The text message sent Sunday to residents warned the sick and wounded to leave before a "strategically planned assault using high precision weapons occurs within 24 hours." It was most likely sent by the Syrian government as the regime is the only party believed capable of sending a text en masse, and has been in a months-long bid to regain control of the area held by rebels. Despite the threat and a worsening humanitarian situation, many are refusing to leave.
[...] In the text message warning, rebels were also given an ultimatum to lay down their arms and renounce their leadership, or be killed. The 24-hour period mentioned in the text has passed, and while witnesses told CNN they saw warplanes swirling the city, there have so far been no reports of airstrikes. But people believe it is still coming.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Runaway1956 on Wednesday November 16 2016, @04:11AM
Probably because all parties to the fighting find the cell towers to be useful. At some point in time, one party or another may calculate that the cell towers gives his enemy to much advantage and/or places him at a disadvantage. At that time, the cell towers will probably be destroyed, or at least disabled.
It's kinda like the running water and electricity. Combatants will generally leave those alone, unless the enemy gains excess advantage from their continued existence. Bridges and elevated roadways, railways, ditto.