USA Renews Refusal to Cooperate with Syrian Regime to Help Earthquake Victims

Today, the United States of America (USA) confirmed that it is working with local non-governmental organizations in Syria to help the victims of the devastating earthquake that also struck Turkey on Monday.

Washington stressed its rejection of any relationship with the government in Damascus.

"In Syria itself, we have humanitarian partners funded by the USA that are providing life-saving aid to those affected," US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken told reporters.

He added, "We are determined to provide this assistance in order to help the Syrian people overcome this ordeal."

The head of operations for the US Agency for Development Assistance (USAID), Stephen Allen, stated in Ankara that "all of our humanitarian efforts are now directed towards northwestern Syria."

Allen added that US aid consists of support from rescue teams and the provision of shelter and food. Washington announced sending two rescue teams to Turkey, which he said will arrive on Wednesday morning and head to the town of Adiyaman, where search efforts have been limited so far.