Voicing Grave Concern over Offensive on Syrian Town, Secretary-General calls for Protection of Civilians by ‘All with the Means to Do So’

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is following with grave concern the ongoing offensive by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on the northern Syrian town of Ayn al-Arab, which has already resulted in massive displacement of civilians, including into Turkey, and numerous death and injuries.

In light of the gross and extensive violations of human rights and international humanitarian law the terrorist group has committed in areas that have fallen under its control in Syria and Iraq during its barbarous campaign, he urgently calls on all those with the means to do so to take immediate action to protect the beleaguered civilian population of Ayn al-Arab.