HTS confiscates shelters to siphon off aid in Syria’s Idlib
IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, formerly al-Nusra Front) confiscated, via its-affiliated branch, Development Office, shelters in Idlib Governorate, northwest Syria, for those who were affected by the earthquake that hit the country, although they were established by volunteer teams and local organizations.
A local source told North Press that seven shelters in Idlib have become under the control of the HTS’ Development Office that intends to siphon off the material support that will be provided by organizations and donors for these shelters.
At dawn on Feb. 6, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit both countries, killing tens of thousands and injuring many more. The earthquake also caused immense destruction of buildings, trapping thousands under the rubble.
This shelters house more than 1.500 families that are increasing day by day.
The authorities of the branch, that prevented any media teams from taking photos for the shelters, called for the organizations and donors to provide support for the families in the shelters and establish residential compounds for those affected by the earthquake.
A source of the Development Office mentioned that they had received more than $230.000 in 24 hours to support people affected by the earthquake in Idlib.
Victims’ toll of earthquakes that struck Syria has surged to 3.694 deaths and 14.806 injury cases as a provision count.
Operations of search and pulling bodies from under rubble and removing debris are still continuing thus the victims’ toll is expected to rise further.