Russian Military: Situation in Rukban Camp Made Worse by Crimes of US-Backed Militants

MOSCOW- The dire humanitarian situation in the Rukban refugee camp, located within the 55-km security zone surrounding US Tanf base, is made worse by lawlessness on behalf of US-supported militants, the head of the Russian center for reconciliation of the opposing sides in Syria told reporters, according to Itar Tass.

“The situation in the Rukban camp is made worse by widespread crime. Refugees are forced to stay in the camp and suffer from lawlessness on behalf of militant groups supported by the United States,” Maj. Gen. Viktor Kupchishin said.

He said that the Syrian government offered security guarantees to refugees willing to leave the camp, and offered to issue new documents instead of their lost ones under a simplified procedure.

 The government also established a security corridor for the safe return of refugees, set up a mobile checkpoint and dispatched buses there.

“The US side’s refusal to guarantee safe withdrawal for refugees via the US-controlled 55-km zone around the Tanf base and to ensure their right for unimpeded and free-of-charge departure to their places of permanent residence disrupts an important humanitarian mission to save Syrian citizens,” the Russian defense official said.

He went on to Say that the Syrian authorities continue their effort to grant amnesty to people who avoided serving in the army, including as a result of becoming a displaced person or joining an illegal armed group. A total of 56,803 people have been granted amnesty as of March 13.

Besides, the work is underway to rebuild the Syrian infrastructure. As of March 13, a total of 31,382 residential dwellings, 147 medical facilities and 825 educational facilities have been reconstructed, 1,019 kilometers of roads have been repaired.

H.M