Terrorists in Syria threaten humanitarian workers, kill 11 – top UN official

Armed groups openly threaten humanitarian workers in Syria,  said top UN official Valerie Amos on Friday. The UN humanitarian chief also stated that 11 UN staff members have already been killed in the country, and cited several cases of abductions,according to Voice of Russia.

Humanitarian abuses and violence are on the rise in Syria, Amos said after a trip to Damascus.

She argued that over the past few weeks and months, UN workers have faced threats from various armed groups. She added that a number of volunteers from Syria’s Red Crescent Movement have been killed, along with UN staff, totaling 11 individuals. Amos also cited cases of staff abductions.

Amos stressed that “we take all the threats seriously” and despite the “very difficult and dangerous conditions,” humanitarian aid will be continued, as all organizations remain committed to the task.

She also said that the UN has around 4,500 staff in Syria are working with non-governmental and community organizations .

Amos also stated that the UN has drawn up emergency plans for a military strike on Syria. “We continue to update and look at our contingency planning,” she said, noting that the UN has great concern for its staff on the ground.

Amos added that she had “positive meetings” in Damascus on Thursday with officials from the Syrian  government about “challenges we have faced in getting approval for field operations, convoys and visas for humanitarian aid workers”.

M.D