Red Cross Syria kidnap underscores risks in war zones
14 Oct 201308:40 AM
Red Cross Syria kidnap underscores risks in war zones
The kidnapping in Syria of seven aid workers from the International Committee of the Red Cross and Syrian Red Crescent on Sunday underscores the stark daily risks faced by those helping victims of the conflict.

"Six ICRC staff members and one member of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent have been abducted in Idlib in northwestern Syria," ICRC spokesperson Ewan Watson told AFP at the organization’s Geneva base.

"We don't know who took them. It was unidentified armed men," he added, when pressed on whether the kidnappers were thought to be from Syria's rebel side or militias loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.

"We're calling for their immediate, unconditional and safe release," he said.

ICRC and Red Crescent staff in Idlib and the city of Aleppo were scrambling to locate the aid workers and secure their release.

The Swiss-based ICRC strives not to be drawn into the politics of conflict zones where its staff serve.
"That's the whole point about being neutral and impartial. It ensures us access," said Watson.
 
"Difficult security conditions are very much part of life at the ICRC. There's no such thing as easy access to a conflict zone. By definition they are dangerous," said Watson.

Watson said he could not confirm their names and nationalities, in part to be sure their families were informed first.

"We are committed to helping the Syrian people, and that's not going to go away because of this incident. Incidents like this do make us take stock. But the fact that's dangerous isn't going to stop us," said Watson.

We don't know who took them. It was unidentified armed men.