03:14Switzerland: OHCHR aware of alleged extra-judicial killings by Turkish-backed fighters
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is aware of videos circulating on social media that appear to depict extra-judicial killings of captives in northeastern Syria by forces affiliated with Turkey, according to comments made by spokesperson Rupert Colville in Geneva on Tuesday.
"We have received reports and viewed two separate pieces of video footage showing what appear to be summary executions carried out by fighters belonging to the Ahrar al-Sharqiya armed group, which is affiliated with Turkey, on 12 October," said Colville.
He went on, adding that "One of the videos – both of which have been widely shared on social media – seems to show the fighters filming themselves capturing and executing three Kurdish captives on the al-Hassakeh – Manbij Highway, that's the M4. Only one of the captives appeared to be wearing military uniform."
Representatives from other UN agencies also provided updates on the situation in the region.
"The security situation in northeastern Syria remains highly volatile with continuing reports of airstrikes and ground attacks, as the military operation continues. On both sides of the border, civilian injuries and deaths are being reported," spokesperson for the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Jens Laerke said.
Herve Verhoosel the Spokesperson for the World Food Program (WFP) added that 83,000 civilians have received food aid in the region and that 130,000 civilians in total will be provided with aid by the UN.
"UNICEF can confirm the deaths of at least four children and the injuries of nine in north-east Syria. Seven children have reportedly been killed in Turkey. At least 170,000 children could need humanitarian assistance as a result of the violence," Spokesperson for UNICEF Marixie Mercado added during the briefing.
Ankara began the military offensive dubbed 'Operation Peace Spring' on October 9, with the aim of creating a 'safe zone' in northern Syria cleared of Kurdish forces that Turkey considers terrorists. The offensive has drawn widespread protests and criticism from world leaders.
03:14The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is aware of videos circulating on social media that appear to depict extra-judicial killings of captives in northeastern Syria by forces affiliated with Turkey, according to comments made by spokesperson Rupert Colville in Geneva on Tuesday.
"We have received reports and viewed two separate pieces of video footage showing what appear to be summary executions carried out by fighters belonging to the Ahrar al-Sharqiya armed group, which is affiliated with Turkey, on 12 October," said Colville.
He went on, adding that "One of the videos – both of which have been widely shared on social media – seems to show the fighters filming themselves capturing and executing three Kurdish captives on the al-Hassakeh – Manbij Highway, that's the M4. Only one of the captives appeared to be wearing military uniform."
Representatives from other UN agencies also provided updates on the situation in the region.
"The security situation in northeastern Syria remains highly volatile with continuing reports of airstrikes and ground attacks, as the military operation continues. On both sides of the border, civilian injuries and deaths are being reported," spokesperson for the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Jens Laerke said.
Herve Verhoosel the Spokesperson for the World Food Program (WFP) added that 83,000 civilians have received food aid in the region and that 130,000 civilians in total will be provided with aid by the UN.
"UNICEF can confirm the deaths of at least four children and the injuries of nine in north-east Syria. Seven children have reportedly been killed in Turkey. At least 170,000 children could need humanitarian assistance as a result of the violence," Spokesperson for UNICEF Marixie Mercado added during the briefing.
Ankara began the military offensive dubbed 'Operation Peace Spring' on October 9, with the aim of creating a 'safe zone' in northern Syria cleared of Kurdish forces that Turkey considers terrorists. The offensive has drawn widespread protests and criticism from world leaders.