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Tag: Syria

  • Putin condemns U.S. attack on Syrian airbase

    Putin condemns U.S. attack on Syrian airbase

    Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned U.S. cruise missile strikes on Syria on Friday, warning the move would further damage already battered U.S.-Russia relations which Moscow had hoped President Donald Trump would revive.

    U.S. officials said they had informed Russian forces ahead of the strikes, intended to punish the Syrian government for what they say was a chemical weapons attack on Wednesday, and had avoided hitting Russian personnel.

    Satellite imagery suggests the Shayrat air base that was struck in western Syria is home to Russian special forces and military helicopters, part of the Kremlin’s effort to help the Syrian government fight Islamic State and other militant groups.

    Russia’s main air base and a naval facility were not hit.

    Moscow had been hoping to cooperate with Trump to jointly fight Islamic State in Syria, a move it was banking on to boost U.S.-Russia ties which are at a post-Cold War low.

    After the U.S. strikes, that task now looks harder.

    “President Putin views the U.S. strikes on Syria as aggression against a sovereign state in violation of the norms of international law and on a made-up up pretext,” said a Kremlin statement.

    “This step by Washington will inflict major damage on U.S.-Russia ties.”

    Putin, a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was holding a meeting of Russia’s Security Council to discuss the strike on Friday afternoon and the Russian Foreign Ministry called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

    A foreign ministry statement said Moscow was suspending a Syrian air safety agreement with the U. S. originally drawn up to ensure that the two countries’ planes did not collide.

    “It’s clear to any specialist that the decision to launch a strike was taken in Washington before the events in Idlib (the province where the gas poisoning took place) which were simply used as a pretext for a show of force,” the ministry said.

    The Russian Defence Ministry meanwhile mocked the effectiveness of the U.S. strikes, saying only 23 missiles had found their targets.

    It was unclear where another 36 had landed, it said, promising Syrian air defenses would now be beefed up.

    A Russian frigate armed with Kalibr cruise missiles sailed through the Bosphorus en route to the eastern Mediterranean in the early hours of Friday morning, according to pictures taken by Turkish bloggers for their online Bosphorus Naval News project.

    It was unclear if that was related to the U.S. strikes.

    Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said there were no reports of any Russians being hurt in the attack.

    He said he hoped U.S.-Russia ties would not be irreparably hurt as a result.

    Rex Tillerson is due to make his first visit to Moscow next week as U.S. secretary of state, an eagerly awaited event in Russia where politicians have been anxious to try to use the change of administration to reboot relations.

     

  • Syria Deal: Russia suspends military deal with U.S.

    Syria Deal: Russia suspends military deal with U.S.

    Russia on Friday suspended a deal on military cooperation with the U.S. in Syria, in response to the U.S. bombing of Syrian state forces.

    The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement  that the deal was designed to prevent possible military incidents between the two great powers, which support opposing sides in the Syrian civil war.

    Russia condemns the U.S. “illegitimate actions against the lawful Syrian government,” the Foreign Ministry said, referring to the U.S. bombing carried out in response to the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Syrian state military.

    “Russia denies that the Syrian state military used chemical weapons, and maintains that Syrian militants were responsible for a recent chemical weapons incident in the north-western province of Idlib,’’ the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

    U.S. President Donald Trump ordered missile strikes against the airfield from which a deadly chemical attack was launched, declaring he acted in America’s “national security interest” against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

    The strikes drew sharp criticism from Russia, Assad’s ally.

    U.S. officials said the military fired dozens of cruise missiles against the base in response to the suspected gas attack in a rebel-held area this week, which Washington has blamed on Assad’s forces.

    The Syrian government has strongly denied responsibility and says it does not use chemical weapons.

    The governor of Homs province said earlier that the airbase was used to support Syrian army operations against Islamic State.

    NAN reports that the U.N. Security Council was expected to hold closed-door consultations on Friday about the U.S. strike on Syria following a request by Bolivia, an elected member of the council, a senior Security Council diplomat said.

     

  • BREAKING: Chemical attack kills 100, injures over 400 in Syria

    BREAKING: Chemical attack kills 100, injures over 400 in Syria

    Approximately 100 people were on Tuesday killed and at least 400 wounded by a chemical weapon attack in Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib.

    At about 6:30 a.m. Damascus time, warplanes dropped a chemical weapon on the neighbourhood of Khan Sheikhoun in southern Idlib. At least 25 of the victims were children. Three UOSSM medical staff were affected by the attack, and rushed to the ICU while treating patients.

    Medical facilities are overwhelmed with patients and unequipped to handle chemical attacks of this Syria man foamsmagnitude.

    Victims are experiencing the following symptoms:

    •Redness of the eyes
    •Foaming in the mouth
    •Myosis
    •Face cyanosis
    •Severe dyspnoea
    •Asphyxiation

    “Today’s gas attacks on children and civilians is inexcusable and the international community should take responsibility for their years of inaction. The international community must do everything in their power to immediately prosecute perpetrators for war crimes.

    “There have been over 170 reported chemical attacks in Syria since the UN Security Council Syriapassed resolution 2118 in September 2013, outlawing chemical weapons in Syria.

    “A massive investment must be made to prepare all medical facilities for these attacks and equip civilians with protective equipment. I am horrified and sickened that these attacks keep happening every week,” Dr Anas Al Kassem said.

    Many area hospitals have been attacked and put out of service, significantly complicating the situation:

    On April 2, the Maarat Al Nouman Central Hospital, the largest and best-equipped hospital in the region, was attacked and put out of service.

    Similarly, on April 3, Kafer Nabel hospital was attacked, one doctor was killed, and the facility was put out of service.

  • Syria: Chemical weapons attack in Latamneh, Hama injures 70

    Syria: Chemical weapons attack in Latamneh, Hama injures 70

    The Latamneh area in the suburbs of Hama was hit on Thursday by an airstrike which deployed a chemical weapons agent.

    At least 70 civilians, including medical personnel, have been reported injured from exposure to the chemical agent.

    Injured patients were rushed to area hospitals and were experiencing the following symptoms: nausea, agitation, foaming at the mouth, muscle spasms, and pinpoint pupils. Two patients went into cardiac arrest but no deaths have been reported.

    The patients had their clothing removed, were washed with soap and water, and treated with atropine and hydrocortisone.

    Much medical staff and ambulance drivers were also injured and experienced bronchial irritation as they were transporting and treating patients affected by the chemical agent, including two paramedics from the Sham Humanitarian Foundation.

    Personnel attending to injured persons in the ward
    Personnel attending to injured persons in the ward

    The organisation that provides medical support in the region, UOSSM reported that area hospitals did not have protective masks to protect the staff from exposure and injury.

    The Tashreen and Qaboun neighbourhoods in eastern Damascus city were also attacked with a chemical agent injuring dozens by intoxication and exposure to the poisonous gases.

    In addition to the chemical attacks, the Ibn al-Haitham pharmaceutical factory in western Aleppo was also put out of service yesterday, after the Mansurah town suffered an intense bombardment.

    [quote font_size=”18″ color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#ddae68″ bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]The security council resolution 2118 (2013) prohibits the use of any type of chemical weapons in Syria, as do resolutions 2209 (2015) and 2235 (2015) – Al Kassem.[/quote]

    “Since UNSCr 2118 was issued, chemical weapons were used over 150 times. The OPCW, who is mandated to prevent and prosecute the use of chemical weapons, is so clearly failing this mandate that it is an embarrassment to the international community.

    “There is both a lack in timely investigation and prosecution. How can we expect any international laws to be taken seriously when blatant violations go unpunished in Syria. “- Said Dr Anas Al Kassem, Chairman of UOSSM, Canada.

  • Syria: Measles outbreak in Ghouta, five hospital attacks in nine Days

    Syria: Measles outbreak in Ghouta, five hospital attacks in nine Days

    There has been an alarming rise in cases of the measles in Ghouta, Syria.

    According to EWARN, there have been 121 cases in the past two months, compared to 50 cases in the past two years.
    Several areas throughout Syria remain under heavy siege. Two doctors were killed and hospitals are constantly being targeted.

    On Sunday, a dentist was killed in an airstrike in Daraa, and on Tuesday, a paramedic was killed in Daraa as well. A hospital was impacted by an airstrike today in Daraa. In the past week, three hospitals in the suburbs of Hama, in Kafr Zeta, have been attacked and put out of service. 

    On March 14, A hospital in Mseifra, in rural Eastern Daraa was hit by an airstrike  near the hospital which resulted in minor structural damages (doors and windows) and left two people wounded. The facility continued to operate.

    See Video

    On March 8, the Kafr Zeta Specialty Hospital, in rural Hama, was put out of service after being attacked by an airstrike resulting in the destruction of doors, windows, water and electricity systems. There were no casualties reported.

    [quote color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#dbbc87″ bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]The building had moderate structural damage and the facility went out of service. On a monthly basis, the hospital was providing an average of 600 consultations, 100 admissions, 70 major surgeries, 50 deliveries and 180 Trauma cases.[/quote]

    On March 8, the Dr. Hasan Araj Cave Hospital in rural Hama, built under 50 ft of rock, was also attacked causing structural damage. This was not the first time this hospital was attacked. The area had over 15 air raids and at least three airstrikes on both hospitals, which are within 10 miles of each other.

     

    On March 7, a hospital in Kafr Zeita, Hama was impacted by airstrikes destroying the medical supply storage area. No casualties were reported and the building had moderate structural damage rendering it out of service. On a monthly basis, the hospital was providing an average of 1900 consultations, 450 admissions, 150 major surgeries, 70 deliveries and 25 trauma cases.

    On March 5, A hospital in Kafr Nobol, Idleb, was hit by an airstrike resulting in the top floor being destroyed and moderate structural damage. There were no casualties reported and the facility went out of service. On a monthly basis, the hospital was providing an average of 3,792 consultations, 41 admissions, 332 major surgeries. These services were disrupted.

    There is significant pressure on hospitals that are still operating and supplies are running extremely low or completely depleted.

    In Ghouta, in the suburbs of Damascus, a third person died from kidney failure as there are no supplies available to provide dialysis treatment. Medications and supplies are still not allowed in the area. 

    “The vicious attacks on medical facilities in the past 10 days must stop and perpetrators must be held accountable.  The attack of hospitals and murder of medical staff is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law and a war crime.

    It breaks my heart to see the children suffering from measles, an archaic and easily preventable disease. Opening aid supply lines, providing medical access and vaccinating all children must be a top priority to head off a potential pandemic.” Said Dr. Anas Al Kassem, Chairman of UOSSM Canada.

  • Syria: Six hospitals put out of service in Daraa

    Syria: Six hospitals put out of service in Daraa

    The Non-governmental/Non-political & Non-sectarian organisation that provides medical relief, supports health needs of people affected by crises (UOSSM) on Friday disclosed that six hospitals have been partially put out of service in Daraa, a city in southwestern Syria in the past week.

    According to UOSSM, the violence has rapidly escalated in several areas throughout Daraa since the 5th of February. Area hospitals have been put out of service after being targeted directly and indirectly with some partially operating. Three nurses were wounded in the attacks along with civilians killed.

    “The danger to doctors and medical staff in the area has reached a critical level, endangering the civilian population. UOSSM calls for the immediate cessation of attacks against medical facilities and for perpetrators to be held accountable for war crimes.”

    Dr Anas Al Kassem, Chairman of UOSSM Canada said, “What is happening in Daraa is reminiscent of the brutal strategy of targeting hospitals and public infrastructure in Aleppo. The wanton killing of civilians and medical staff in Syria is horrific and must stop now. ”

  • Nothing has changed in US visa policy for Nigerians-Ambassador

    Nothing has changed in US visa policy for Nigerians-Ambassador

    The United States (U.S) government has allayed the fears of many Nigerians over the Executive Immigration Order.

    According to the U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, no Nigerian will be discriminated against on the basis of the order.

    Trump had signed an executive order barring citizens from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Sudan from entering the country for 90 days and also suspended the admission of all refugees for 120 days.

    Symington stressed that the Nigeria-U.S relationship  is a strategic one that must be sustained; adding that the connection between our two countries has been strong today and will continue to be strong tomorrow.

    He however stressed that in granting of visas, the full process must be followed and not religion.
    The envoy therefore emphasized that should there be any rejection, it should not be construed to mean discrimination, as every single conversation will be part of the process.

    Symington who briefed newsmen on the Executive Order on ‘Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorists Entry into the United States’ said  relating to Nigeria, nothing has changed.

    He also said that contrary to the report making the rounds, U.S has not reduced the visa time frame for Nigeria, saying that the two years multiple entry visa policy is still in place.
    Besides, he said those with valid visas have nothing to fear, as the validity of the visa will remain until the expiry date.

    Also, for a Nigerian with dual nationality affiliation with the seven affected Muslim countries, the ambassador said  he or she would not be banned from entering U.S.

    “Security is not the job of only one country. Let me reassure Nigerians that every single action the US takes would be on the basis of legality and due process no one will be discriminated against. No Nigerian would be denied visas because he or she is from a particular region of the country.

    “The new order now is for the US government to cross check as many that are coming into the US before issuing visas; we will not discriminate on the basis of religion in issuing visas to Nigerians. The two years visa is still valid contrary to reports we have heard in the media.

    “Nigeria’s leadership role is crucial in the world and Nigeria cannot be blacklisted. The importance of Nigeria in the world is legal.”

    Meghan Moore, Head of Consular U.S Embassy, Abuja explained that, “the  idea of how the US government decide the duration of Visa issuance is based on Nigeria government treatment to US travelers to Nigeria.  The US government generally issues multiple entry non-immigrant visas  with a validity of two years to eligible individuals who are travelling with the Nigeria passport. We issue as a general rule a two year visa and that has not changed. There  can be some exception based on some specific individuals.”

    What has changed, according to her is the period for visa renewal.

    “It used to be 45 month for visas renewal before now, but as a result of the new order, it’s now 12 month to renew visas. If not, registration and visa interview has to be carried out,” she explained.
    “Nigerians can use the DHL renewal process if their visas expire within 12 month.  If not, they have to schedule another interview with the embassy,” Moore said.

  • Trump travel ban sparks protest in Rome

    Trump travel ban sparks protest in Rome

    Protesters chanted outside the U.S. Embassy in Rome on Thursday against President Donald Trump’s order to restrict entry into the United States for refugees and citizens of seven Muslim countries.

    Last week’s executive order blocked citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen and placed an indefinite hold on Syrian refugees.

    “I fear the worst is yet to come,’’ said Fouad Roueiha, 37, who was born in Syria and raised in Italy, he brought his son and daughter with him “to teach them about civic duty’’, and said the order prevented them from visiting family in Florida.

    The order sparked large protests across the United States and in other countries.

    In Rome, a few dozen protesters waved signs reading “No Ban, No Walls’’ and “Trump, ban torture not Muslims’’ in English.

    A candlelit protest was due to be held later in front of the embassy by a group of Americans who live in Italy.

    “If discriminatory policies take hold, it’s a danger for everyone everywhere,’’ said Michael Stiefel, 50, a lawyer and a U.S. citizen.

    Antonella Napolitano, 35, who works for an Italian rights group that helped organize the protest, said: “One hundred years ago Italian immigrants in America were treated badly, there can be change, and history does not have to repeat.’’

  • Putin announces Syrian ceasefire deal

    Putin announces Syrian ceasefire deal

    Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that the Syrian Government and rebels had agreed to a ceasefire and that Russia and Turkey would act as guarantors.

    The Syrian ceasefire involves more than 60,000 rebels, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu says.

    The Syrian government confirmed the deal, with the army saying that a nationwide ceasefire would take effect at midnight local time (2200 GMT).

    The truce excludes the Islamic State extremist militia, the formerly al-Qaeda-linked Fatah al-Sham Front and their affiliates, the Syrian army said in a statement.

    Russia also intends to reduce its military presence in Syria, Putin said.

    “The decision to halt combat actions is aimed at providing favourable conditions to back the political course of the crisis in Syria,’’ the army command said in a statement carried by Syria’s state news agency SANA

    Russia and Turkey have supported opposing sides in the Syrian civil war, but in recent months, amid a rapprochement in their relations, have ramped up efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

    The latest ceasefire comes a week after Syrian forces regained full control of Aleppo after a Russia-backed campaign forced rebel fighters to leave their last enclave in the northern city.

    The conflict in Syria started in March 2011 with a crackdown on mostly peaceful anti-government protests.

    World powers have since made numerous attempts to end the war. Past truces have largely held only for brief periods, allowing in some humanitarian aid or letting people flee. Some local ceasefire has been more successful.

    The Minister expressed hope that the United States under Donald Trump, who would be inaugurated as president in January, would join the Russian-backed initiative in Syria.

  • Evacuations resume in Aleppo after stand-off

    Evacuations resume in Aleppo after stand-off

    Convoys of evacuees travelled from a rebel-held area of Aleppo and from two Shi’ite villages besieged by insurgents on Monday after a day-long stand-off, a monitoring group said.

    Jan Egeland, who chairs the UN aid task force in Syria, and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said.

    “Dozens of buses carrying thousands of people from Aleppo’s tiny rebel zone reached insurgent areas of countryside to the west of the city.

    “At the same time, 10 buses left the Shi’ite Muslim villages of al-Foua and Kefraya, north of Idlib, for government lines in Aleppo,’’ Egeland said.

    The evacuation of civilians, including wounded people, was a condition for the Syrian army and its allies to allow thousands of fighters and civilians trapped in Aleppo to depart.

    “Many thousands more are waiting to be evacuated soon,’’ Egeland added.

    Syrian state TV and pro-Damascus stations showed the first four buses arriving in Aleppo from the besieged villages, accompanied by pick-up trucks and with people sitting on their roofs.

    Later on Monday, the Security Council will vote in New York on a resolution to allow UN staff to monitor the evacuations.

    The draft resolution was the result of a compromise between Russia and France and the U.S. said it was expected to pass unanimously.

    According to a video posted online on Sunday, some of the buses sent to al-Foua and Kefraya to carry evacuees out were attacked and torched by armed men.

    The incident threatened to derail the evacuations, the result of intense negotiations between Russia, the main supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkey, which backed some large rebel groups.

    They have been waiting for the chance to leave Aleppo since the ceasefire and evacuation deal was agreed late last Tuesday, but has struggled to do so during days of hold-ups.

    The report says the weather in Aleppo has been wet and very cold and there are little shelter and few services in the tiny rebel zone.