8 Feb 2023 09:32

Russian military in Syria delivers humanitarian aid to quake-stricken Aleppo - Russian Defense Ministry

MOSCOW. Feb 8 (Interfax) - Servicemen of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria have delivered humanitarian aid to residents of quake-stricken Aleppo, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The Russian military has provided food packages, milk, flour and essentials, it said.

The ministry released footage of humanitarian aid distribution among local residents.

One of the distribution points operates in a church, where people who have lost their homes gather. Another distribution point has opened in a former celebration hall, which currently accommodates several hundred facilities whose homes were devastated by the quake.

Russian Defense Minister Gen. of the Army Sergei Shoigu has tasked the commander of the Russian contingent in Syria with assisting in the mitigation of quake effects.

The Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria rapidly deployed and opened six humanitarian aid distribution points in Aleppo, Hama, Latakia, Jableh, Stamu and Bustan al-Basha.

Ten combined teams of the Russian contingent in Syria were set up to clean up the debris and search for the injured in the worst hit areas.

Over 300 troops operating 60 military and special vehicles are involved in the effort.

A mobile team of Russian medics is on standby at the Hmeimim airbase along with four blood donation stations and a joint headquarters to coordinate forces and hardware engaged in assisting Syria after the quake, have been deployed.

A devastating quake hit northern Syria and southern Turkey in the early hours of Monday. According to the latest information, almost 5,000 people have been killed by the natural calamity in the two countries.