ICRC limits aid to Syrian government: AANES
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is politicizing humanitarian support by limiting aid to parties associated with the Syrian government, the Department of Foreign Relations of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) claimed on Tuesday.
Public Statement - Department of foreign relations https://t.co/1KUpsoFHc5
— Dr Abdulkarim Omar (@abdulkarimomar1) January 25, 2022
“The ICRC is trying to politicize humanitarian support, and limit aid to the parties associated with the Syrian regime, which only controls the Security Quarter within the city,” the AANES said, referring to the northeastern Syrian city of Hasakah.
“The ICRC forgets that the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and its bodies and entities have been on alert for the past five days to provide support and assistance to the residents of Al-Ghwairan (Ghwayran) neighbourhood and Al-Zohour neighbourhood adjacent to Al-Sina’a Prison, despite their limited capabilities,” it added.
Locals in Hasakah say they lack fuel, bread, water, and electricity amidst a security lockdown.
Read More: AANES imposes full curfew in Hasakah for one week
The AANES said by “politicizing the suffering of our people in Hasakah, which resulted from the terrorist attack by Daesh (ISIS), the ICRC is trying to appease the regime in Damascus.”
“This is considered a violation of ICRC’s principles,” it said. “This deliberate politicization of the tragedy does not serve the needy and those affected by the armed conflict.”
The AANES Foreign Relations Department also said that “all its security and military forces are committed to international humanitarian law, and its medical and relief teams were established to serve the needs of the Syrian people without discrimination and without politicizing the suffering of the people.”
The ICRC on Monday said that the pro-Syrian government Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) is running ambulance services. Moreover, it also said it had donated medical supplies for the SARC mobile clinic to support the displaced families.
Read More: Red Cross worried over violence near Sina’a prison in Hasakah
On Jan 20, 200 ISIS fighters attacked the Sina'a prison in Al-Hasakah city. In response, the SDF launched a large operation.
On Tuesday, the SDF said that a total of “550 terrorists” (mutineer prisoners) have surrendered since Jan. 20. SDF operations in the prison are ongoing.