February 2023 - Syria Special Weapons News

The people of Syria deserve a sustainable, inclusive and just peace UK FCDO 28 Feb 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Syria
UN officials call for Security Council's support for post-quake Syria UN News 28 Feb 2023 -- Top UN officials on Tuesday called on the Security Council's strong support for Syria following the 6 February earthquakes, which worsened an already dire situation in the wake of 12 years of brutal civil war.
Cash-Strapped WFP: Millions of Syrians May Lose Food Aid VOA 27 Feb 2023 -- The World Food Program said Monday that without an urgent injection of $450 million it will not be able to maintain emergency food assistance this year in Syria, including to people impacted by the recent earthquake.
Syria: EU organises airlifts with humanitarian aid to earthquake survivors European Commission 26 Feb 2023 -- In the aftermath of one of the strongest earthquakes in the history of the region, a large number of people have lost their homes and livelihoods, who are therefore in need of emergency assistance.
Syria's Assad meets with Arab parliamentary delegation in Damascus Press TV 26 Feb 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has received a delegation from the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, which is in Damascus to discuss restoration of Syria's membership in the Arab League after more than a decade of suspension from the 22-member bloc.
Syria's Assad Hosts Delegation of Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union Sputnik 26 Feb 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar Assad has received in Damascus a delegation of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, which aimed, among other things, to reaffirm support for Syria and its people following deadly earthquakes, the Syrian leader's office said Sunday.
WFP Executive Director shocked by apocalyptic devastation across Turkiye and Syria during visit, calls for global support WFP 25 Feb 2023 -- The Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), David Beasley, has concluded a visit to the earthquake affected region of Hatay in southern Türkiye where he witnessed first-hand the incomprehensible devastation caused by the earthquake that struck on 6 February. With some 18 million people affected across southern Türkiye and northwest Syria, tens of thousands of lives have been lost, and millions upon millions of people have lost their homes, livelihoods and assets.
Death toll from Turkey, Syria earthquake passes 50,000 Press TV 25 Feb 2023 -- Turkey has launched its homes rebuilding drive for its 1.5 million citizens that are left homeless in the aftermath of the devastating tremors that jolted both Turkey and Syria earlier this month, leaving behind a death toll of more than 50,000.
Iran likely to deliver missile system to Syria to boost air defenses Press TV 24 Feb 2023 -- Iranian and Syrian military officials have reportedly agreed on the delivery of missile systems to Damascus to boost the Arab country's air defenses amid increased Israeli air raids.
Syria-Türkiye earthquakes: Food, shelter and medicines among latest aid deliveries UN News 23 Feb 2023 -- Aid continues to roll into northwest Syria, with 53 trucks crossing from southern Türkiye on Thursday, the UN reported in its latest update on response to the devastating earthquakes that struck the two countries on 6 February.
U.S. Central Command supports humanitarian assistance, disaster relief efforts in Syria and Türkiye CENTCOM 22 Feb 2023 -- To support ongoing U.S. assistance led by the U.S. Agency for International Development, CENTCOM moved U.S. military tents from Bahrain to Incirlik Air Base in Türkiye for onward movement to affected areas in Syria and Türkiye.
UN humanitarian delegation visits northwest Syria as earthquake response continues UN News 22 Feb 2023 -- A total of 282 United Nations trucks transporting aid for earthquake victims in northwest Syria have passed through three border crossings with Turkiye over the past two weeks, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Wednesday.
Earthquake Gives New Push to Normalizing Arab Ties With Syria, Analysts Say VOA 22 Feb 2023 -- A visit this week by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to Oman and a meeting in Damascus last week with the UAE foreign minister are seen by observers as a new push by some Arab countries to bring an isolated Syrian government back into regional and international politics.
After Earthquake, Some Syrian War Refugees Look Beyond Turkey VOA 22 Feb 2023 -- As Turkey reels under the immediate humanitarian and the long-term economic burdens of the deadly February 6 earthquake, one group of people feels pressured to consider leaving the country.
United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria a.i., Mike Robson, statement on strikes on central Damascus UNOCHA 21 Feb 2023 -- The United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria a.i., Mr Mike Robson, is deeply concerned about Sunday strikes on the Kafer Souseh neighbourhood in central Damascus.
U.S. Welcomes Kyrgyzstan's Repatriation of Nationals from Northeast Syria US Dept. of State 20 Feb 2023 -- Last week, the Government of Kyrgyzstan repatriated 18 women and 41 children from displaced persons camps in northeast Syria.
Syria-Türkiye: Three border crossings now operational for earthquake aid delivery UN News 20 Feb 2023 -- Two weeks after the devastating earthquakes, the UN and partners continue to scale-up cross-border aid delivery from Türkiye into northwest Syria, including through a new entry point, the UN Spokesperson said on Monday.
President Assad visits Oman, meets with Sultan Haitham in first since Syria conflict Press TV 20 Feb 2023 -- Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has visited Oman and met with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said following the devastating earthquake, which rocked the northwestern sector of the country two weeks ago, claiming the lives of thousands of people.
Syria calls for 'urgent' international action to stop Israeli aggression Press TV 19 Feb 2023 -- The Syrian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned an Israeli air strike on Damascus that killed at least five people and heavily damaged residential buildings, calling for "urgent international action" to stop the Israeli regime's aggression.
Are U.S. sanctions against Syria hindering humanitarian relief efforts? Radio Free Asia 19 Feb 2023
Israel launches new missile strike on Syria's capital, targets residential buildings, killing civilians Press TV 18 Feb 2023 -- Israel has launched a fresh missile attack on the Syrian capital Damascus and areas around it, as the regime continues its acts of aggression against the Arab country.
Five Dead Following Air Attack on Damascus Sputnik 18 Feb 2023 -- At least five people were killed as a result of the Israeli air attack on the Syrian capital of Damascus, the Lebanon-based Al Mayadeen TV reports citing a Syrian health ministry source.
ISIS Senior Leader Killed and Four U.S. Servicemembers Wounded in Helicopter Raid in Northeastern Syria CENTCOM 17 Feb 2023 -- Last night, during a partnered U.S. and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) helicopter raid in northeastern Syria, an explosion on target resulted in four U.S. servicemembers and one working dog wounded. The targeted ISIS senior leader, Hamza al-Homsi, was killed. The U.S. servicemembers and working dog are receiving treatment in a U.S. medical facility in Iraq.
US Hammers Islamic State With Multiple Raids VOA 17 Feb 2023 -- The United States struck additional key blows against the Islamic State terror group, removing a couple of senior leaders from the battlefield in two separate nighttime helicopter raids in northeastern Syria.
53 killed in Daesh attack near central Syria city: State media Press TV 17 Feb 2023 -- Syrian state media outlets say as many as 53 people have been killed in an ambush carried out by the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group near a central Syrian city.
WFP reaches half a million earthquake-affected people in Syria and Türkiye, and replenishes stocks in Northwest Syria WFP 17 Feb 2023 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has stepped up its emergency response to support victims of the devastating earthquake in Syria and Türkiye, providing emergency food assistance to nearly half a million quake-affected people in the two countries through hot meals, emergency ready-to-eat food packages and family food rations.
Multiple Factors Hampering Delivery of Aid to Syria Quake Areas VOA 16 Feb 2023 -- The death toll from last week's earthquakes that hit parts of southern Turkey and northern Syria has reached more than 41,000, and aid groups say humanitarian assistance into affected areas of Syria has been slow.
Muslims Rush to Aid Turkey, Syria VOA 16 Feb 2023 -- As the number of people killed by the February 6 earthquake in Turkey and Syria keeps rising, so do the funding and donations from different parts of the world aimed at assisting survivors.
Death Toll in Turkey and Syria from Earthquake Tops 41,000 VOA 15 Feb 2023 -- The combined death toll in Turkey and Syria from last week's powerful earthquake has now risen above 41,000, but a handful of people are still being rescued from the rubble.
Powerful Earthquakes Shake Political Fortunes in Turkey, Syria VOA 15 Feb 2023 -- Last week's disastrous earthquakes have shaken the political fortunes of leaders in Turkey and Syria, analysts say. Some see a possible accelerated path to regime normalization for pariah Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while an onslaught of criticism has engulfed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling into question his re-election bid.
Supporting the OPCW upon the delivery of the third IIT report Canada 15 Feb 2023 -- "We, the participating States of the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons, stand together to preserve the international standards and norms against the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, under any circumstances."
Jordan's foreign minister visits Syria in first trip since foreign-backed war Press TV 15 Feb 2023 -- Jordan's foreign minister and deputy prime minister, Ayman Safadi, visited Damascus on Wednesday in the first such visit by a senior Jordanian official since foreign-backed militancy broke out in Syria more than a decade ago.
Assad: Damascus determined to deliver aid to all quake-affected Syrians Press TV 15 Feb 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says Damascus is determined to deliver humanitarian aid to millions of people who have been affected by the massive earthquake and a major aftershock that devastated northwestern Syria last week.
Secretary Blinken's Call with UN Secretary-General Guterres US Dept. of State 14 Feb 2023
Guterres calls on countries to fully fund $397 million quake appeal for Syria UN News 14 Feb 2023 -- The UN Secretary-General on Tuesday announced a $397 million humanitarian appeal to aid the people of earthquake-ravaged Syria, to help secure "desperately needed" relief for nearly five million people.
Secretary-General's opening remarks at press encounter on the Humanitarian Appeal for Syria UN Secretary-General 14 Feb 2023
UN chief welcomes Syria's decision to open two crossing points for aid delivery People's Daily 14 Feb 2023 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday hailed Syria's decision to open two crossing points, which he said would allow more and quick aid delivery.
At UN, China calls for sanctions on quake-hit Syria to be lifted Press TV 14 Feb 2023 -- China has called for the immediate lifting of unilateral sanctions on Syria in the wake of a devastating earthquake in the Arab country.
Syria slams US sanctions, unilateral actions for hampering humanitarian aid delivery Press TV 14 Feb 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says emergency humanitarian aid must be brought into all quake-hit areas in northwest Syria, including those not under the Damascus government's control.
Syrian president urges quick aid delivery across quake-hit Syria People's Daily 14 Feb 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday urged immediate delivery of relief aid to all areas in Syria struck by earthquakes on Feb. 6, the state news agency SANA reported.
Nearly 9 million people in Syria affected by Türkiye earthquake, UN launches $400 million funding appeal UNOCHA 14 Feb 2023 -- Close to 9 million people in Syria have been affected by last week's devastating earthquakes, the United Nations said today. Humanitarian agencies will need $397.6 million to respond to the most pressing humanitarian needs over the next three months.
Facts about Türkiye, Syria quake: Death toll tops 35,000, int'l aid continues People's Daily 14 Feb 2023 -- The following are the latest facts about quake-hit Trkiye and Syria.
UN chief: Syrian president agrees to open two more border crossings to help quake-hit people Press TV 14 Feb 2023 -- The United Nations' secretary-general says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has agreed to open two more border crossings to facilitate relief aid delivery to the northern part of the quake-hit country, which is held by militants.
Facts about Türkiye, Syria quake: Death toll tops 33,000, int'l aid continues People's Daily 13 Feb 2023 -- The following are the latest facts about quake-hit Trkiye and Syria.
Earthquake disaster: UN chief welcomes Syria decision to open aid corridors UN News 13 Feb 2023 -- The UN Secretary-General has welcomed the decision on Monday by the Syrian president to open two further crossing points on the Turkish border to allow more aid into the stricken northwest of the country.
Syria's Assad to Allow UN More Access to Quake Victims VOA 13 Feb 2023 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has agreed to allow the United Nations to temporarily use two additional border crossings from Turkey to get aid to earthquake victims inside Syria.
China urges US to lift unilateral sanctions against Syria, instead of making a political show Global Times 13 Feb 2023 -- When asked for comment on a report that the US Treasury has announced a 180-day exemption on Thursday to its sanctions on Syria for "all transactions related to earthquake relief efforts," the Chinese Foreign Ministry responded on Monday that the US government should immediately lift unilateral sanctions against Syria instead of making a political show of temporary easing.
Massive earthquakes kill over 30,000 in Türkiye, Syria as incredible rescues still bring hope People's Daily 13 Feb 2023 -- The death toll from the twin earthquakes that rocked Trkiye and Syria on Feb. 6 has climbed to 29,605 and 1,414 respectively as of Sunday evening.
Facts about Türkiye, Syria quake: Death toll tops 23,000, int'l teams continue rescue efforts People's Daily 12 Feb 2023 -- The following are the latest facts about quake-hit Trkiye and Syria.
Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll to top 50,000, UN warns Press TV 12 Feb 2023 -- The death toll from the calamitous earthquake in Turkey and Syria will "double or more" from its current level, which is now close to thirty thousand, the United Nations emergency relief coordinator has warned.
WHO says almost 26 million people affected by deadly Turkey-Syria quake, as death toll nears 30,000 Press TV 12 Feb 2023 -- The World Health Organization says around 26 million people have been affected by the deadly and devastating earthquake that has hit Turkey and neighboring Syria.
WHO announces $43 million appeal to scale up response in Syria and Turkiye UN News 12 Feb 2023 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a $43 million appeal to support earthquake response in Syria and Türkiye, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced on Sunday.
Assad slams West's double standards on humanitarian situation in quake-hit Syria Press TV 11 Feb 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has censured the West's double standards in dealing with the victims of the recent devastating earthquake that hit both Syria and Turkey, saying Western nations are indifferent to the humanitarian situation in his country.
WHO sends health supplies to reach 400 000 people impacted by the earthquakes in Türkiye and the Syrian Arab Republic WHO 10 Feb 2023
Turkey-Syria quake: Death toll passes 23,700 as Erdogan admits rescue efforts were slow Press TV 10 Feb 2023 -- The number of victims of the devastating earthquake on Friday exceeded 23,700 people, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan admitted that the rescue teams' response to the massive earthquakes in the south of the country was not as fast as the government expected.
More aid reaches Syria's quake victims but it's not enough, say UN aid agencies UN News 10 Feb 2023 -- A second UN aid convoy reached northwest Syria on Friday to help victims of the still-unfolding earthquake tragedy, but humanitarians have warned that far more lifesaving help is needed, and much more quickly.
U.S. Assistance to Emergency Earthquake Response Efforts in Türkiye and Syria US Dept. of State 09 Feb 2023 -- The February 6th earthquakes that struck southeastern Türkiye and northern Syria have devastated millions. Within hours of the first quake, the United States, at the direction of President Biden, quickly mobilized federal agencies and partners to urgently provide life-saving assistance in close coordination with our Turkish Allies and partner organizations in Syria.
Death toll tops 21,000 from Turkey-Syria quake as hopes for survivors fade Press TV 09 Feb 2023 -- The death toll from this week's massive earthquakes and aftershocks in Syria and Turkey has surpassed 21,000, as hopes for finding survivors trapped are fading.
Rescue Crews Search for Earthquake Survivors in Turkey, Syria as Death Toll Surpasses 20,000 VOA 09 Feb 2023 -- Rescue crews in Turkey and Syria raced against time Thursday and a lack of equipment to find survivors buried in the rubble of buildings toppled by powerful earthquakes that struck the region Monday and left more than 20,000 people dead so far.
First UN aid convoy reaches Syria's quake-hit northwest since disaster UN News 09 Feb 2023 -- As a UN aid convoy reached Syria on Thursday for the first time since devastating earthquakes cut off supply lines from Türkiye three days ago, UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for assurances that desperately needed assistance inside Syria would not be held up or "politicized".
First UN Aid Convoy Reaches Quake-hit Northern Syria VOA 09 Feb 2023 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the first aid convoy reached victims in northern Syria on Thursday, as he appealed for more access and funds to assist the millions affected by the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday.
President Assad: Many countries 'under US pressure' not to help quake-stricken Syria Press TV 09 Feb 2023 -- President Bashar al-Assad has expressed his appreciation of help from world countries to the Syrian nation and government in the recent devastating earthquake, stressing, however, that many countries are "under pressure from the United States" not to help the Arab country.
Tunisia to resume diplomatic relations with Syria Press TV 09 Feb 2023 -- Tunisia has said that it aims to resume diplomatic ties with Syria after a ten-year interval.
Special Online Briefing with Ambassador Joseph Manso, U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons US Dept. of State 08 Feb 2023
China urges US to put aside geopolitical obsession, lift unilateral sanctions on Syria Global Times 08 Feb 2023 -- China urged the US to put aside its geopolitical obsession and immediately lift unilateral sanctions on Syria since Washington's long-term involvement in Syrian crisis with military intervention and economic sanctions has resulted in a large number of civilian casualties and difficulties in economic development and reconstruction process in the country.
Death toll surpasses 12,000 as quake relief in Türkiye, Syria enters 3rd day People's Daily 09 Feb 2023 -- The number of fatalities from Monday's devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria has surpassed 12,000, as chances have become smaller to find more survivors in cold weather before the golden 72 hours are over.
Rescuers Search for Earthquake Survivors in Turkey, Syria as Death Toll Nears 12,000 VOA 08 Feb 2023 -- Rescue crews in Turkey and Syria raced against time Wednesday and a lack of equipment to find survivors buried in the rubble of buildings toppled by powerful earthquakes that struck the region Monday and left about 12,000 people dead.
Türkiye, Syria quake latest: full scale of disaster still unfolding, UN humanitarians warn UN News 07 Feb 2023 -- The full scale of the multiple earthquake disaster in Türkiye and Syria is still unfolding, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday, as they stressed the critical need to step up search and rescue efforts for victims and ensure that lifesaving aid reaches all those who need it.
Crews Race to Find Survivors as Turkey-Syria Quake Toll Climbs VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- Rescue crews in Turkey and Syria raced against the cold early Wednesday to find survivors buried in the rubble of buildings toppled by powerful earthquakes that struck the region Monday and left more than 7,700 people dead.
'Reasonable grounds' to believe Syrian Government was behind deadly chlorine gas attack on Douma: OPCW report UN News 07 Feb 2023 -- A new report released by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) finds "reasonable grounds" exist to believe the Syrian Government was responsible for a chemical weapons attack that killed 43 civilians in the suburban town of Douma in 2018, the organization's senior official told the Security Council on Tuesday.
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Chemical Weapons in Syria US Dept. of State 07 Feb 2023
Assad has been actively rebuilding chemical weapons in Syria UK FCDO 07 Feb 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council meeting on Syria
Iran questions credibility of chemical watchdog's Syria report Press TV 07 Feb 2023 -- Iran's UN mission questions the credibility of a report issued by the world chemical watchdog that accuses Syria of an alleged 2018 chemical attack against the Arab country's own people.
UN agencies launch emergency response after devastating Türkiye and Syria quakes UN News 06 Feb 2023 -- After a massive earthquake hit southern Türkiye and northern Syria in the early hours of Monday, prompting fears of a humanitarian crisis, UN aid agencies have scrambled to help many thousands of reported victims, including those still believed to be buried under the rubble. The initial 7.8 magnitude quake struck close to Gaziantep, followed by another 7.5 magnitude earthquake several hours later.
Powerful Earthquake Kills More Than 3,700 in Turkey, Syria VOA 06 Feb 2023 -- A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked wide parts of Turkey and Syria early Monday, toppling hundreds of buildings and killing more than 3,400 people, with more residents believed to be trapped under the rubble.
Countries Worldwide Mobilize Aid Following Earthquake in Turkey, Syria VOA 06 Feb 2023 -- Countries around the world are rushing to send rescue workers, equipment and aid after a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Turkey and Syria early Monday.
Telephone conversation with President of Syria Bashar al-Assad President of Russia 06 Feb 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad.
Joint Statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic Faisal Mekdad pertaining to the Issues of the Chemical Weapons Convention Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 Feb 2023
Russian FM: US playing with fire, encouraging separatism in Kurdish region in Syria Press TV 06 Feb 2023 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the United States is "playing with fire" with its activities on the common border between Iraq and Syria, especially by backing separatist militants affiliated with the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and encourage separatism.
Humanitarian needs in Syria hit 12-year high UNOCHA 05 Feb 2023 -- "Over a decade of conflict has led to catastrophic humanitarian conditions and a record-high level of needs in Syria, with one in every three people requiring humanitarian assistance just to survive," the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim (RC/HC a.i) for Syria, Mr El- Mostafa Benlamlih warned.
CENTCOM Month in Review: The Fight Against ISIS in Iraq and Syria CENTCOM 02 Feb 2023 -- During the month of January 2023 U.S. Central Command-led coalition forces and partner forces conducted 43 operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. These operations degraded ISIS and removed multiple senior ISIS militants from the battlefield, including the Emir of Raqqa and a Syrian provincial media and security operative. These successful operations are part of the mission to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.
Syria rejects report on alleged chemical attack as "politicized" by U.S., Western allies People's Daily 03 Feb 2023 -- Syria on Thursday rejected a recent report by an intergovernmental chemical watchdog that accuses the Syrian forces of a chemical attack near Damascus in 2018 as "politicized" by the United States and its Western allies.

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February 2023 - Syria Special Weapons News