Secretary-General Concerned that Military Escalation in Syria Has Caused Displacement of Civilians, while Putting Regional Security at Risk

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by the recent military escalation, including ground offensives and aerial bombardments, in south-western Syria.  The attacks have resulted in the displacement of thousands of civilians, the majority of whom are moving towards the Jordanian border.  The Secretary-General is also concerned at the significant risks these offensives pose to regional security.

The Secretary-General underscores the fragile situation of civilians in southern Syria.  He calls for an immediate end to the current military escalation and urges all stakeholders to respect their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Recalling the de-escalation and ceasefire arrangements that have provided relative calm in south-western Syria over the past year, the Secretary-General urges all to exercise restraint and uphold these commitments as a matter of priority.