ICRC confirms release of 3 aid workers in Syria

The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed on Monday that three of the six kidnapped ICRC staffers have been released near Sareqeb in Idlib Governorate, north Syria. "Despite the current situation, we are committed to serving the Syrian people", said the ICRC in a press relase from its headquarter in Geneva. Six ICRC staff members and one Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) volunteer were abducted on Sunday by unidentified armed men near Sareqeb in Idlib Governorate, in north-western Syria, said the ICRC. "We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the seven colleagues abducted this morning," says Magne Barth, head of the ICRC's delegation in Syria. "Both the ICRC and the SARC work tirelessly to provide impartial humanitarian assistance for those most in need across Syria on both sides of the front lines, and incidents such as these potentially undermine our capacity to assist those who need us most," he pointed out. According to The ICRC, the team had travelled to Idlib on 10 October to assess the medical situation in several Idlib Governorate health structures and to deliver medical supplies to Sarmin and Idlib city. The convoy, which was on its way back to Damascus, was clearly marked with the ICRC emblem, which is not a religious symbol. "The ICRC is committed to assisting the Syrian people and will continue conducting its humanitarian activities both in the country and in neighbouring countries for refugees there," added Barth.