Bombing in Al Bab leaves at least 18 civilians dead and more than 70 injured
7 October 2020, Amman, Jordan - An estimated 18 people have been killed in Al Bab city, in the northern part of Syria, as a heavy truck explosion occurred in one of the busiest neighbourhoods of the city where more than 21,180 displaced Syrians[1] live. More than 70 are thought to be injured and the numbers might increase. Three humanitarian workers of World Vision’s partner - Syria Relief and Development - who were essential in the fight against Covid-19 inside the country, have fallen victims of the indiscriminate acts of violence that are a daily reality for most of them.
“We strongly condemn all acts of violence against civilians and frontline workers as Covid-19 is endangering the most vulnerable people, now having lived in insecurity and fear for almost ten years. Our partners are delivering lifesaving medical aid providing transportation for Covid-19 suspected cases to one of the health facilities they work in”, said Johan Mooij, World Vision Syria Response Director.
The fighting must stop and a political agreement between the parties to the conflict must be urgently agreed upon. “If such attacks continue, that resulted in more than 550,000 people’s death since the conflict started[2], we might witness new displacements which will put everyone at enormous health risks”, added Mooij. These people now face a security crisis and a medical one, often afraid to seek treatment either due to fear or lack of money. Reaching out to them with information and essential hygiene items, food and other services, is critical and all involved must ensure unhindered access to the Syrian population.
ENDS.
World Vision is a global humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.wvi.org/syria-response or follow us on Twitter @WorldVisionSR
For media enquiries, please contact:
Alexandra Matei, Syria Response Advocacy and Communications Director, World Vision International
alexandra_matei@wvi.org | +21692894939
Elias Abu Ata, Syria Response Communications Manager, World Vision International
elias_abuata@wvi.org | +962 775 446 556
[1] https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/202008_cccm_cluster_isimm_august_for_share.pdf
[2] https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2019/country-chapters/syria
Main photo credit: Syria Relief & Development (SRD).