Accessibility links

Breaking News

UN Aid Reaches Besieged Syrian Areas


The United Nations says convoys carrying "life-saving aid" have reached five besieged areas of Syria.

UN officials said trucks carrying food, medical equipment, and medicine for almost 100,000 people had reached rebel-held Madaya, Muadhamiya, and Zabadani near Damascus, and pro-government northern villages of Foah and Kefraya on February 17.

Humanitarian supplies reached some of the areas last month amid reports of people starving.

According to the UN, nearly half a million people live in besieged areas in Syria.

The deliveries are part of an agreement, approved by the International Syria Support Group, that envisages a "cessation of hostilities" by February 19.

But offensives by Syrian government forces and Kurdish militia fighters on rebel-held areas in the country's north have dimmed hopes of a truce.

Based on reporting by dpa, AP, and AFP

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG