ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The United Nations is “gravely” concerned about thousands of civilians trapped or fleeing violence in the Euphrates River valley area where Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the international coalition are battling ISIS. Seven children have died after the difficult journey to an IDP camp.
“The ongoing fighting in Hajin is taking a heavy toll on civilians. Those leaving the areas of active hostilities have reported many civilian casualties, including women and children, critical shortages of food and medical supplies, and large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructure,” the UN said in a statement on Tuesday.
More than 1,000 people – men and women of all ages – fled territory controlled by ISIS on Tuesday, reported to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
According to the UK-based conflict monitor, just under 20,000 people have escaped the area since early December. They are not just Syrians, but also Iraqis and international members of ISIS.
The UN estimates some 11,000 people have fled since the beginning of December, taking an “arduous journey” to arrive at al-Hawl camp in Hasakah, about 200 kilometres to the north.
“People fleeing face serious protection risks along the way, including exposure to hostilities, explosive hazard contamination and long waiting periods at screening points in harsh winter conditions,” arriving at the camp exhausted, said the UN.
“Seven young children have died shortly after arriving,” it stated.
The SDF launched a “massive attack” on ISIS in al-Shafa, the force stated on Tuesday. They were able to advance one and a half kilometres, with coalition air support, but many of their fighters were wounded, they added.
“Our partners have made steady progress in their fight against ISIS,” said US Army Maj. Gen. Patrick Roberson of the coalition.
ISIS is now corralled into about 15 square kilometres on the eastern banks of the Euphrates River, according to the Observatory.
“The ongoing fighting in Hajin is taking a heavy toll on civilians. Those leaving the areas of active hostilities have reported many civilian casualties, including women and children, critical shortages of food and medical supplies, and large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructure,” the UN said in a statement on Tuesday.
More than 1,000 people – men and women of all ages – fled territory controlled by ISIS on Tuesday, reported to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
According to the UK-based conflict monitor, just under 20,000 people have escaped the area since early December. They are not just Syrians, but also Iraqis and international members of ISIS.
The UN estimates some 11,000 people have fled since the beginning of December, taking an “arduous journey” to arrive at al-Hawl camp in Hasakah, about 200 kilometres to the north.
“People fleeing face serious protection risks along the way, including exposure to hostilities, explosive hazard contamination and long waiting periods at screening points in harsh winter conditions,” arriving at the camp exhausted, said the UN.
“Seven young children have died shortly after arriving,” it stated.
The SDF launched a “massive attack” on ISIS in al-Shafa, the force stated on Tuesday. They were able to advance one and a half kilometres, with coalition air support, but many of their fighters were wounded, they added.
“Our partners have made steady progress in their fight against ISIS,” said US Army Maj. Gen. Patrick Roberson of the coalition.
ISIS is now corralled into about 15 square kilometres on the eastern banks of the Euphrates River, according to the Observatory.
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