Damascus: The UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) has temporarily relocated its teams from the restive northern province of Aleppo due to the deteriorating security situation, Xinhua reported Tuesday.
"We will send our teams back to Aleppo as soon as the conditions permit," UNSMIS spokesperson Juliette Touma said.
A source told Xinhua that the observers' safety was at risk due to the ongoing clashes. Their withdrawal took place Monday night.
UNSMIS chief Lt. Gen. Babacar Gaye said he was extremely concerned by the incessant violence in Syria, particularly in Aleppo, and urged all parties to protect civilians.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said thousands of people have found shelter in 80 school buildings in Aleppo. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent is providing them with food and other necessities.
IANS
First Published: Tuesday, August 07, 2012, 23:43