Syrian government approves delivery of humanitarian aid to 'rebel-held' territory; Report

government of Syria approved delivery of humanitarian aid across front lines of country’s civil war-struck territory. Syrian news outlet Sana News reported that Syrian cabinet decided to send aid to areas outside control of Bashar al-Ass ministration, on Friday. Earlier this week a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria causing heavy devastation in both countries. historic earthquake was followed by several or quakes that have collectively claimed lives of over 22,700 people in both countries. While rescue operation is underway in quake-effected region, fears still remain that death toll might rise, making it one of biggest humanitarian crises in modern history. 

According to Sana News, Syrian cabinet approved initiative on Friday, making it clear that humanitarian aid will be sent to “all parts of country” including rebel-held territories. As per reports, aid will be distributed with help of United Nations, Syrian Red Cresent and International Red cross. However, timeline of when aid will be sent out is still not clear. Sana News also reported that government h declared Lattakia, Hama, Aleppo and Idlib as worst affected areas. cabinet also informed that disaster zones would set up funds to rehabilitate those affected by earthquake in region. 

12-year Syrian civil war

For last 12 years, Syria has been engulfed in a civil war between Bashar al-Ass ministration and “rebel groups” in Syria. It all started in March 2011, when pro-democracy demonstrations erupted in Sourn city of Deraa against authoritarian Syrian regime. demonstration which slowly started taking over country was inspired by uprisings in neighbouring countries during Arab Spring. While Syrian ministration was able to violently impose a crackdown on protests in different parts of country, some parts still remain outside state control and conflict has not been resolved for last 12 years. On January 25, 2023, United Nations Security Council revealed that 12 years of civil war has left over 70% of Syrians needing aid in country.    February earthquake me matter even worse. While state media is reporting on this initiative by Syrian government, United Nation is yet to confirm news, CNN reported.