John Adoyi, PBA Journalism MenteeDeath toll from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Syria and Turkey has increased, and the United State says it will not work with a Syrian government of President Bashar Al-Assad. It says A-Assad government has been brutal to its people in delivering humanitarian assistance. The US will instead work with humanitarian partners already in Syria.
Ned Price, the US State Department spokesperson told reporters on Monday that “It would be quite ironic – if not even counterproductive – for us to reach out to a government that has brutalised its people over the course of a dozen years now… Instead, we have humanitarian partners on the ground who can provide the type of assistance in the aftermath of these tragic earthquakes,” Price said.
Isreal, US historic allies, however says it is sending humanitarian assistance to Syria and Turkey, where more than 3000 have been confirmed dead in the deadly earthquake.
Syria has been torn by a civil war for over 12 years and it has left thousands of Syrians dead with many more displaced from their homes, scattered all over the globe in refugee camps or seeking asylum in Europe and America.
The country has been suffering economic and humanitarian crises caused by sanctions placed on the country by the United State since 2011.
According to the US State Department, the sanctions were to “deprive the regime of President Al-Assad the resources it needs to continue violence against civilians and to pressure the Syrian regime to allow for a democratic transition as the Syrian people demand.”
This move by US has been criticized by Russia and other countries.
Russia said the sanctions were “strangling” the Syrian people and promised to help Syrians survive the economic sanctions of the West.
However, dozens of countries including Israel, United Arab Emirate, and Qatar have pledged their support for Syria and Turkey.
Meanwhile, Syria’s health ministry and rescue groups said the death toll from Monday’s earthquakes has risen to At least 1,293 people and 3,411 injured.
In government-controlled areas, the toll rose to 593 dead and 1,411 injured. While in rebel-held parts of the country, at least 700 people have been killed and more than 2,000 injured, with rescue groups warning that the death toll could rise.
Doctors in Syria are calling for support as hospitals are being overwhelmed with hundreds of the injured.
Humanitarian organisations are also asking for relieve materials including medicines and food materials.
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