Escalating Conflict in Syria
Here's what you need to know:
Friend, you've seen the news. Once again, Syria is in trouble. It's a complicated situation, so we wanted to recap what we know and what it means for children. Because children suffer most in crises like these -- and it's our job to protect them >>
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What's going on?
Last Wednesday, Turkey began an attack on a Kurdish-led militia in northeastern Syria following the withdrawal of U.S. troops in the area. Since then, Turkish troops have launched airstrikes and surrounded border Syrian towns.
But why?
Turkey regards the Kurdish militias as "terrorists" who support an anti-Turkish insurgency. By launching an attack against the Kurds, Turkey hopes to combat them and create a "safe zone". This new space, on the border between Turkey and Syria, is where Turkey can once again relocate the millions of Syrian refugees that now reside within its borders.
What does this mean for civilians -- and children?
The fighting has already killed civilians and sent tens of thousands of people fleeing their homes. If the violence continues, aid groups foresee up to 400,000 people or more forced into refugee camps and ISIS-ravaged towns. The violence is already starting to drive aid groups out of the region for fear of attack.
Is anyone helping them?
Yes. UNICEF is in Qamishli, a city on the Turkish-Syrian border, and has stocked up on enough life-saving supplies for 45,000 children and women for one month -- in addition to seasonal clothes for children under the age of five. But in many other cities, violence has forced our programs to be suspended.
Can I help?
Yes. Your support can help us distribute safe water, nutrition and protection to the most vulnerable children right now. Donate today to protect children in Syria and around the world >>
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Thank you,
The team at UNICEF USA
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