ICRC Says, Syria Fighting Affects 1.5m People, Appeals To Donors To Save Civilians

Geneva, June 10, IRNA -- Syria fighting affected 1.5 million people, whether directly or indirectly. The International Committee of the Red Cross made appeal to donors to help civilians caught by hostility in Syria. The ICRC said that situation in many parts of Syria is very tense, with a daily toll of casualties, as fighting continues between government forces and armed opposition groups. This has been the case since February 2012 and it is primarily civilians who are directly caught up in the violence. The situation is tense in Idlib, rural Idlib, rural Damascus, Hama, and to a lesser extent rural Alepo, Deraa in the south, Deir El Zor in the north-east, and Lattakia, a coastal area. "We are receiving regularly reports from people facing more and more difficulties in accessing medical treatment and food, including bread." The number of displaced people has been growing day by day. Many of the displaced have seen their assets looted or destroyed. Many are staying with family members or friends, others in public structures. Several public structures have suffered heavy damage and are lacking in basic services such as water and electricity. Since June 2011, the ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent have provided assistance to cover the needs of up to 400,000 people in Syria./end