20/11/17
Two dead after British ambulances targeted in Syria aerial bombing
Unity Convoy today called on the British public to continue to support aid efforts in Syria as its ambulances were hit in an aerial attack which killed two civilians – including a medic – and injured ten.
Shocking images from war-torn Idlib City in northern Syria show six Unity Convoy ambulances buried in the rubble and destroyed.
The ambulances formed part of the world record-breaking convoy of 100 ambulances that were driven to Syria from the UK by a coalition of charities under the umbrella of Unity Convoy.
The ambulances have been able to save hundreds of lives in a part of Syria that has been dubbed “the new Aleppo” because of the humanitarian catastrophe that has unfolded as a result of intense fighting on the ground and aerial bombing.
The UN estimates that of the two million people living in Idlib province, 700,000 are internally displaced.
- Dr Moustafa Manaam from Syria Health Directorate, said: “This horrific targeting of innocents further proves the need for foreign aid. Our internal aid has been cut off and we are completely reliant on the outside world. We are calling on the world to keep on giving.”
- Official Unity Convoy spokesperson, Alim Shamas said: “The direct bombing of our ambulances is an outrage.”
- Human Aid UK’s Operations Director, Jilu Miah said: “The Syrian civilian residents have been deprived from access to medical care and other basic services. Where national authorities have failed to protect civilian populations in this regard, humanitarian organisations need to intervene to help protect the rights of those affected.”
- Anaya Aid’s CEO, Tahir Malik said: “Each time an ambulance is destroyed, whether it is targeted or in an indiscriminate attack on civilian areas, it deprives Syrians of another lifeline.”
Unity convoy will continue to fundraise for essential medical supplies and raise awareness of the humanitarian situation in Syria.
[END]
NOTES:
1. Unity Convoy is an independent body made up of a consortium of charity leads sharing the vision of ‘unity’ in humanitarian work. United to deliver Ambulances to Syria. Further updates and articles will be available for view from the official Unity Convoy website www.unityconvoy.com.
2. Photos from the Unity Convoy recent attacks can be found here: http://unityconvoy.com/pressphotos/
Any images used must be credited to “UnityConvoy.com”
CONTACT
For more information and any interview requests, contact us on press@unityconvoy.com
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