More than 2,000 refugees are being held as human shields by US-controlled rebels in the Rukban camp in Syria, according to Major General Oleg Egorov, deputy head of the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Warring Parties in Syria.

"More than 2,000 refugees are being held in the camp as human shields by militants from the US-controlled Magavir es-Saura illegal armed group," adding that "the so-called US-led 'international anti-terrorist coalition' in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2015 No. 2254 continues to hinder the participation of Russian specialists and representatives of international organizations in the preparation and conduct of humanitarian actions in the territory under its control," Egorov said at a briefing.

The Major General added that despite the refugees' urgent need for food, water, and medical attention, they are unable to leave the camp without making "payoffs" to the militants that far surpass their funds.

Egorov noted that US Army Brig. Gen. Eric Strong, who was authorized to speak on behalf of the leadership of the coalition, had rejected the Russian proposal to authorize the expert delegation from the Center for Reconciliation of Warring Parties to visit the Rukban refugee camp and examine the humanitarian situation.

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