Int'l, Arab leaders offer Syria condolences over losses in earthquake
Condolence messages are pouring in the wake of the tragic 7.4 magnitude earthquake in southern Turkey, with several world and Arab leaders expressing sympathy upon hearing the news.
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Rescuers search for victims of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey, in this video grab from AFP TV taken Feb. 6, 2023.
Russian President Vladimir Putin was among the first to offer condolences over the loss of lives and infrastructure in Syria and Turkey after a massive earthquake that jolted the southeastern region of Turkey on Monday morning.
Kremlin stated that Putin extends deep condolences to his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, stressing that Moscow is ready to provide necessary assistance to mitigate earthquake damages.
Furthermore, the country's Ministry of Emergency Situations declared that a 100-person rescue team and two IL-76 planes were ready to help in the aftermath of the earthquake.
On his account, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani has conveyed condolences to Turkey and Syria following the disaster, assuring that Iran will undoubtedly fulfill its humanitarian and religious commitments towards the two countries.
Another building collapses in #Aleppo city in Saif Al-Dawleh neighborhood
— vanessa beeley (@VanessaBeeley) February 6, 2023
Syria is wounded today 🇸🇾💔
Via: https://t.co/8HHWh9QOiR pic.twitter.com/KmZ57FaJ7b
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, in a statement, that "Egypt also offers its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and the brotherly Turkish and Syrian peoples over this painful affliction", affirming its solidarity with both Turkey and Syria.
Sweden's Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, has conveyed his condolences and help from his country, saying in a tweet that he is "saddened about the loss of lives in Turkey and Syria following the major earthquake."
Tech Mogul Elon Musk proposed to send a satellite broadband service to Turkey after what was considered the strongest earthquake to hit the country in decades.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan claimed in a tweet that "the US is profoundly concerned by today’s destructive earthquake in Turkey & Syria. I have been in touch with Turkish officials to relay that we stand ready to provide any & all needed assistance. We will continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with Turkey."
The U.S. is profoundly concerned by today’s destructive earthquake in Turkiye & Syria. I have been in touch with Turkish officials to relay that we stand ready to provide any & all needed assistance. We will continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with Turkiye.
— Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) February 6, 2023
The US's statement comes in stark contradiction to its policies on the ground, especially regarding Syria, which is unable to fully respond to the tragic catastrophe due to Washington's draconian sanctions against the country, its occupation of Syrian land and looting of billions of dollars of its resources. As a result, many lives will be lost due to the lack of basic rescue capabilities and medical supplies.
Another building collapses in #Aleppo city in Saif Al-Dawleh neighborhood
— vanessa beeley (@VanessaBeeley) February 6, 2023
Syria is wounded today 🇸🇾💔
Via: https://t.co/8HHWh9QOiR pic.twitter.com/KmZ57FaJ7b
On Monday, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit central Turkey and northwest Syria, killing over 1000 people and wounding hundreds as buildings collapsed across the region, prompting searches for survivors among the rubble.
Read more: Syria: sanctions and oil looting cause fuel shortages, 4-day work week
