In a statement released on Saturday, Hamza al-Mustafa, the Minister of Information in Damascus, revealed that PKK and SDF organizations have converted multiple civilian structures within the Sheikh Maqsoud district into military outposts. These groups continue to utilize these locations to conduct operations against civilians, according to the official report on Jan.10.
Militant Desperation in Sheikh Maqsoud
As the Syrian Arab Army successfully advances and secures various combat locations across the neighborhood, the Minister noted that certain cornered elements of the SDF and PKK are trying to find refuge within hospitals. Writing on the X platform, Hamza al-Mustafa stated: “As the Syrian Arab Army advances and succeeds in clearing most combat sites within the neighborhood, some SDF and PKK desperate members are seeking to take shelter inside certain hospitals and medical centers, using those inside as human shields,”
Demand for the Protection of Civilians
The Minister further emphasized the urgent need to maintain the neutrality of public service buildings during the conflict. Al-Mustafa concluded by stressing the importance of shielding innocent people from the ongoing violence and ensuring medical facilities are not misused.
“We affirm the necessity of fully protecting and safeguarding civilians, refraining from engaging service facilities, especially medical ones, in military operations or exploiting them politically and in the media, in compliance with international humanitarian law and in order to preserve the lives of innocent people”, the Minister added.
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