Earthquake helps Syria caused crisis

While two severe earthquakes experienced yesterday in Kahramanmaraş, within a few hours of each other, caused extensive destruction in Syria as well, the news that the Damascus government blocked aid to regions under opposition control created controversy.

Following the crisis related to the interruption of aid due to road damage and adverse weather conditions, the Damascus administration was accused of turning earthquake aid into political material.

Syria’s representative to the UN, Bessam Sabbah, argued that all control of the aid sent to the country after the earthquake should belong to the Damascus government. Speaking to reporters in New York, Sabbah evasively responded to the question of whether they would allow aid through Turkey, saying Damascus would deliver aid to all of Syria.

UNICEF is concerned about the rapidly increasing loss of life in the region, as rescue efforts are floundering in regions where Turkish-backed groups are also present in northern Syria.

‘THE GREATEST DESTRUCTION IS IN THE REGION UNDER THE CONTROL OF OPINIONS’

While the loss of life in the areas under government and opposition control exceeded 1,600, British aid minister Andrew Mitchell stated that they were having great difficulty getting aid materials into Syria and were trying to deliver aid by working with the organization called White Helmets, close to the opposition. Mitchell called for more crossing points to be opened on the Turkish border.

According to the British press, the Syrian government only allows the transit of aid from a point in the north of the country. Even before the quake, Damascus was criticized for blocking aid to northern regions controlled by opposition groups.

According to UN officials, the areas most affected and destroyed by the earthquake in Syria were the areas under opposition control. Mark Lowcock, the former director of humanitarian affairs for the UN, claimed that Turkey would also have to contribute to this region, since Damascus did not take a step.

US State Department spokesman Ned Price announced that they will not send aid to Syria through the Damascus government.

Meanwhile, mourning has been declared in areas under opposition control in Syria and training has been suspended until February 11.