OCHA urges protection of civilians amid escalation in Deir ez-Zor
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The escalating hostilities in Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, are severely impacting civilians and critical infrastructure, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Thursday, expressing deep concern over the situation.
“At least 20 civilians were reportedly killed, and 15 others injured, in recent days,” the OCHA said. “While water stations and other civilian facilities were reportedly damaged or affected, including a UN-supported centre on rural livelihoods.”
For the third consecutive day, the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has been experiencing a military escalation. The government forces and Iranian-backed militias have launched attacks and shelling from their positions on the western bank of the Euphrates River. The attacks have led to the killing of 11 civilians and the injury of six others, according to the SDF Media Center.
The OCHA urged warring parties to respect international humanitarian law, “including taking constant care to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure in the course of military operations.”
It indicated that the fighting has resulted in power cuts that affected hospitals and water stations.
The latest escalation comes as Syria faces record levels of need following 13 years of war, with more than 16 million people requiring assistance this year, amid critical shortfalls in funding, according to the OCHA.