UN calls for protecting civilians in northeast Syria

Civilians must be spared in any Turkish military operation in northeast Syria, where the United Nations hopes that displacement and atrocities can be prevented, a senior U.N. aid official said on Monday.

The United States said it was pulling troops from northeast Syria, in a major shift which clears the way for a Turkish military offensive against Kurdish-led forces and hands Turkey responsibility for thousands of Islamic State captives.

Panos Moumtzis, U.N. regional humanitarian coordinator for the Syria crisis, speaking hours later, told reporters in Geneva that had drawn up contingency plans to provide aid. "We are hoping for the best but preparing for the worst," he said, adding that the U.N. had seen a "bitter history" of safe zones in places like Srebrenica.

REUTERS

UN calls for protecting civilians in northeast Syria

Breaking Headlines

UN

Syria

Lebanon’s health minister clears Tannourine water after contamination concerns

Lebanon’s health minister clears Tannourine water after contamination concerns

Israeli army confirms airstrikes in Rafah in response to attacks by militants

Israeli army confirms airstrikes in Rafah in response to attacks by militants

Ceasefire in jeopardy as Israel threatens military action in Gaza

Ceasefire in jeopardy as Israel threatens military action in Gaza

Israeli forces install concrete barriers near South Lebanon's Aitaroun

Israeli forces install concrete barriers near South Lebanon's Aitaroun

Meet Miss Lebanon 2025 contestants: Video

Meet Miss Lebanon 2025 contestants: Video

Series of Israeli airstrikes spark massive fire in southern Lebanon

Series of Israeli airstrikes spark massive fire in southern Lebanon

Lunar eclipse captivates Lebanon: watch the stunning video

Lunar eclipse captivates Lebanon: watch the stunning video

Israel says it foiled weapons smuggling attempt from Syria to Lebanon

Israel says it foiled weapons smuggling attempt from Syria to Lebanon

Lebanon’s health minister clears Tannourine water after contamination concerns

Lebanon’s health minister clears Tannourine water after contamination concerns

Fadel Chaker’s case returns to Military Court as new trial phase begins — the details

Fadel Chaker’s case returns to Military Court as new trial phase begins — the details

Ceasefire in jeopardy as Israel threatens military action in Gaza

Ceasefire in jeopardy as Israel threatens military action in Gaza

Israeli forces install concrete barriers near South Lebanon's Aitaroun

Israeli forces install concrete barriers near South Lebanon's Aitaroun

President Aoun to Pope Leo: Lebanese people eagerly await your visit to Lebanon

President Aoun to Pope Leo: Lebanese people eagerly await your visit to Lebanon

Lebanese Industry Minister: Tannourine Water was 'unfairly punished'

Lebanese Industry Minister: Tannourine Water was 'unfairly punished'

Chainsaw-wielding robbers flee Louvre with jewelry

Chainsaw-wielding robbers flee Louvre with jewelry