Red Cross worried over violence near Sina’a prison in Hasakah

The ICRC called for unhindered humanitarian access to ensure that emergency assistance reaches those in need.

Wladimir van Wilgenburg 2022/01/25 08:33

At least 45,000 civilians were reportedly displaced in Hasakah city during the four days of fighting (Photo: Mohammed Hassan / Twitter)

Syria ICRC Red Cross Hasakah SDF ISIS Syrian Arab Red Crescent

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Monday expressed deep concern over the intensification of violence around a detention facility in Sina’a, in the northeastern Syria of Hasakah.

The ICRC called for unhindered humanitarian access to ensure that emergency assistance reaches those in need.

According to UN data, 45,000 people have been displaced from their homes in the Kurdish-controlled city of Hasakah due to ongoing clashes between ISIS and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after the former attacked the prison on Thursday.

“Tens of thousands of people had to flee their homes and seek safety in neighboring areas following the recent violent escalation in Hassakeh, northeast Syria,” the ICRC said.

Some say the number could be even higher since the UN depends on data from the Syrian authorities.

The pro-Syrian government Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) is running ambulance services with the support of the ICRC and “has assisted in evacuating many families and placing them in host communities or temporary shelters,” the ICRC said.

Water and hundreds of essential household items were distributed in the areas where displaced people gathered. The ICRC also donated medical supplies for the SARC mobile clinic to support the displaced families.

“Hostilities in densely populated areas are particularly concerning. The ICRC urges all parties to take every possible measure to respect civilians and civilian objects, and allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of impartial humanitarian relief, in line with international humanitarian law,” the ICRC statement concluded. “The ICRC stresses that persons not or no longer taking a direct part in hostilities, such as the wounded, persons deprived of their liberty and civilians, must be treated humanely in all circumstances, without adverse distinction.”

On Sunday, the General Command of the SDF said that around 200 ISIS fighters attacked the prison in Hasakah on Jan. 20. As of Tuesday morning, the fight is ongoing.