Syria Opposition in Urgent Appeal for Qusayr Wounded
Syria's opposition National Coalition launched an urgent appeal on Thursday to rescue 1,000 wounded civilians from the town of Qusayr, which government troops and Hizbullah fighters are battling to retake from rebels.
"Qusayr has been under constant bombardment," a statement said, and a "large number of civilians living in the area have been injured due to the assault launched over two weeks ago on the city."
The Coalition cited an "acute shortage of doctors, paramedics and first aid kits" and said this "must trigger international relief organizations to respond immediately and save the wounded civilians.
"These civilians must be moved out of the city, as soon as possible, in order to secure treatment in safe areas.
"Moral and humanitarian obligations make it necessary for the Red Cross and Red Crescent, as independent and impartial organizations, to take urgent action. They must enter the city, rescue the innocent civilians and provide them with the necessary protection."
Hundreds of civilians have reportedly been killed in Qusayr and thousands could be trapped.
Control of Qusayr is essential for the rebels as it is their principal transit point for weapons and fighters from Lebanon, while it would help the army consolidate its grip on a key road from Damascus to the Mediterranean coast.
Source: Agence France Presse
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