Members of the Algerian rescue team and Syrian army soldiers search for survivors at the site of a damaged building, in the aftermath of the earthquake in Aleppo, Syria February 8, 2023. REUTERS/Firas MakdesiMembers of the Algerian rescue team and Syrian army soldiers search for survivors at the site of a damaged building, in the aftermath of the earthquake in Aleppo, Syria February 8, 2023.
The World Health Organisation however expects the figure to climb to 20 000. Syria has endured sanctions from the US and the EU for nearly 12 years due to the ongoing Syrian conflict.“In spite of US sanctions which get in the way of aid to Syria, a lot of countries are flying in assistance and aid.
“I have been waiting for news of my father, my mother, my brother, my sister and her son. Nothing is known about them so far,” he said. Aleppo, once famed for its labyrinthine covered souks, medieval minarets, domed bathhouses and imposing ancient citadel, was devastated by years of civil war fighting before the government recaptured a rebel stronghold there in 2016.
Many Aleppo buildings had already been weakened by battles during the ongoing 12-year conflict and Youssef’s apartment was in Bustan al-Basha, a previously frontline district that was badly smashed up in the fighting.