Syrian Kurd sets himself on fire outside UNHCR building in Geneva

A Syrian Kurdish man immolated himself right outside the United Nations refugee agency HQ in Geneva on Wednesday. According to reports, the 31-year-old German resident was airlifted to a hospital in Lausanne that specializes in treating burns as soon as the flames were doused. A representative of the Geneva police, Silvain Guillaume-Gentil said that the man did not provide any explanation for his actions, but they believed that it was politically motivated.

"Shocked"

Spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Andrej Mahecic, stated that they were shocked to learn about the incident. In addition to this, Mahecic added that the man tried to enter the building after setting himself on fire but was stopped by the security officials, who along with the medical put out the fire.

Protest in Germany against Turkey's military action in Syria

In another incident related to the protests against Turkey's military action, thousands of people took to the streets in the German city of Cologne to protest against Turkey's military action in the northern part of Syria. According to the German police, about 5,000 people took part in two marches that were organised by left-wing groups. 

A few people carried flags of the Kurdish forces or banners with slogans that read: 'No deals with the Turkish regime'. This march took place as Germany is home to a large number of people belonging to the Kurdish and Turkish communities.

Read: Turkey Signals It’s Holding Back On Resuming Syria Push

Trump acting "very tough" on Turkey

Also, US President Donald Trump stated that the sanction he had imposed against Turkey was very extreme and tough. The announcements came as a group of diplomats, headed by American VP Mike Pence, prepared to go to the capital city of Turkey, Ankara, in order to pressurize Turkey to put a stop to their military plan of action in the northern part of Syria.

Read: US-Turkey Deadline Of Withdrawing Turkish Military From Syria Ends

Turkey orchestrated attack after the USA took the decision to pull out its troops from Syria, plans to push the Kurdish-backed SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) from the militant-infested areas. Turkey wants to set up a base in the terror-hit areas that will allow them to accommodate approximately 2 million Syrian refugees.

Read: France's Macron Discusses Syria-Turkey Ceasefire With Russia's Putin

Read: Turkey Wants No Forces Along Turkey-Syria Border To Settle Refugees

(With inputs from agencies)