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Doctors Without Borders Suspends Operations as Turkish Forces Move In

Durin Hendricks

   Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières or
   MSF, announced that it would be suspending its operations in
   northeastern Syria due to "extreme volatility in the region."

   Since Oct. 9, MSF has evacuated its staffs from hospitals in the
   Kurdistan region of Syria after the start of Turkish military
   operations in the area.

   Robert Onus, MSF emergency manager for Syria, said the Turkish military
   engagement will "increase the need for humanitarian assistance" but
   that the organization could not provide it with the current
   "insecurity."

   "We cannot operate at scale until we can gain the assurances and
   acceptance of all parties to the conflict that we can operate safely,"
   said Onus.

   According to MSF, the Syrian government has not authorizated the
   organization to operate in the country. With The Syrian Democratic
   Forces entering an alliance with the government, MSF's lack of
   authorization could continue be an issue.

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