ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expanded its humanitarian operations across northern and northeastern Syria (Rojava) following weeks of clashes and displacement, while continuing confidential efforts to clarify the fate of missing civilians in Kurdish-populated areas, according to a spokesperson for the organization.
In an interview with Rudaw on Monday, Fareed al-Homaid, spokesperson for the ICRC in Syria, said the organization’s ability to operate depends on secure and unhindered access and ongoing dialogue with all parties controlling territory.
“As a neutral, impartial, and independent humanitarian organization, the ability of the International Committee of the Red Cross to assist people affected by conflict and other situations of violence depends on safe, timely, and unhindered humanitarian access,” Homaid said. “Our assistance is provided based solely on need, without any discrimination.”
The humanitarian situation in Rojava and northern Syria follows a large-scale offensive launched in mid-January by the Syrian Arab Army and affiliated forces against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Rojava’s de facto military force, advancing across parts of Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Hasaka provinces.
The SDF and Damascus later announced an internationally brokered agreement to end hostilities and integrate Rojava’s civil and military institutions under state authority. Kobane in northern Syria has remained under a strict siege for around a month, fueling alarm over worsening humanitarian conditions.
Medical aid in Aleppo, Kobane
Homaid said that in recent weeks, the ICRC, in close coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, delivered emergency assistance to Aleppo city, including the Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyeh.
The two neighborhoods faced severe humanitarian challenges after Damascus and affiliated forces imposed a siege following their attacks on the Kurdish forces in the neighborhoods in early January.
According to Homaid, medical supplies were provided to Al-Razi Hospital, enough to treat 50 critically injured patients, while primary healthcare kits were delivered to clinics in Sheikh Maqsood and to the Aleppo health directorate, covering the needs of around 20,000 people for three months.
“We also provided five first-aid kits and consumables… sufficient to treat 100 critically injured patients,” he said, adding that 300 blankets were distributed to Al-Razi Hospital and Aleppo University hospital during winter.