Shortly after the earthquake in Syria, government troops attacked the hard-hit areas. According to Kurdish information, the Turkish government would also attack Kurdish areas again. Bombs were reportedly dropped as residents attempted to rescue people buried under collapsed buildings.
The target of the attack was the rebel city of Marea in Syria, 35 kilometers north of Aleppo. This was reported by Syrian sources and British MPs, such as Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Alicia Kearns. Kearns spoke of a “truly callous and heinous attack” and opportunism. The moderate opposition must be attacked and destroyed. The opposition-led civil protection organization “White Helmets” had previously sent a letter to diplomats asking them to put pressure on the Syrian government “to ensure that there are no bomb attacks in the affected areas”.
Airstrikes during aftershocks
In addition to Marea, the earthquake-hit city of Tel Rifat in northwestern Syria is also said to have been shelled. Turkish government troops are suspected there. “We had aftershocks again during the night and yet Turkish air strikes were carried out,” said Fee Baumann of the aid organization “Kurdish Red Crescent”, according to a report from the German television channel ZDF on Tuesday evening. This prevents necessary help.
The political situation makes the transport of relief supplies and rescue operations even more difficult. There is one open border crossing between Turkey and Syria, Bab al-Hawa. The delivery of humanitarian aid there is being delayed because of road damage, UN sources said. The Syrian government and its ally Russia had phased out an associated aid mechanism with several transitions in recent years.
“It is outrageous that a NATO country should deliberately exacerbate a humanitarian catastrophe. These borders have always been open to Islamic fighters and modern weapons. Now humanitarian supplies for northern Syria and for all of Syria must finally get through,” said Kamal Sido, the Middle East expert of the German Association for Endangered Peoples.
Disaster relief from the EU?
The regime in Damascus has already submitted an application for disaster response to the EU. This includes medicines, food and medical equipment. Syrian ambassador to the United Nations, Bassam Sabbagh, reiterated on Tuesday that humanitarian aid should flow inside Syria through government-controlled areas. Monday’s earthquake hit areas of northern Syria under different control. In total, more than 11,000 dead were recovered in Syria and Turkey. Countless other people were injured.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
