Image: Distribution of relief aid in Syria
With the attack on the Afrin canton in northwestern Syria, Turkey has opened a new chapter in the civil war, which for over a year had been replaced by a partial ceasefire between Syria, Russia and Iran.
Even by Syrian standards, the northwestern Afrin canton is a poor area - and therefore its inhabitants are particularly vulnerable in this situation where Turkey is attacking the Kurdish forces defending the area.
A local pastor reports that the Robar refugee camp in Afrin canton, home to 600 internally displaced families from Aleppo province, has been hit. The number of civilian casualties across Afrin so far, according to the priest, is 24, with 11 reportedly from the same family seeking refuge from the bombing in the village of Jalbil.
In addition, he says that many civilians are injured and it is a challenge for the four hospitals in Afrin to treat all the injured.
Emergency aid in Syria since 2014
Since Islamic State brutally invaded parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014, Danish European Mission donors have faithfully supported local Christian aid workers reaching out to the victims of Islamic State's advance. Many Christians and other minorities sought and found refuge with the Kurds in northern Syria.
Right now, local Christian relief teams are helping the vulnerable in Afrin. They report that pregnant women in particular are in urgent need of help at this time. The local relief teams are not only helping Christians, but anyone in need regardless of background.
- On average, it costs around 150 DKK to ensure that a family has Fuel, winter clothing, food, water, hygiene items, kitchenware and medicine for a week.
- On average, it costs around 652 DKK to ensure that a family has Fuel, winter clothing, food, water, hygiene items, kitchenware and medicine for a month.
Thank you for helping those in need in Afrin and other parts of Syria.