UK to end some funding for Syria's opposition

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Europe

The British government says it is ending some funding programs for the Syrian opposition, as it deems the areas too risky to operate in.

"As the situation on the ground in some regions has become increasingly difficult, we have reduced support for some of our non-humanitarian programming, but continue to deliver vital support to help those most in need and to improve security and stability in the country," said a UK government spokeswoman in an emailed statement on Monday.

The Times newspaper had earlier reported that the attempt to create an independent police force would be scrapped from September, while projects funding local councils were being reviewed and would likely be halted by the end of the financial year.

Young boys sit atop a truck as they flee opposition-held areas of the city of Daraa during air strikes, June 30, 2018. /VCG Photo

The report added that the Foreign Office and Department for International Development had determined the aid programs in the northwestern parts of Syria to be "unsustainable."

The UK government said it had spent 152 million pounds (193.85 million US dollars) on humanitarian programs in Syria for the financial year 2017 to 2018.

Britain had increased its aid and supply of armored vehicles and training to Syria's opposition in 2013.

Syria's northwest is the last major region still held by rebels.

The conflict in Syria has killed an estimated half a million people, driven more than 5.5 million people out of the country and displaced over 6.5 million within it.

Source(s): Reuters