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In Syria, more than 12,000 people still live in Rukban camp in the far south of Syria, on the Jordanian and Iraqi border. The area is still controlled by US-backed opposition forces, and the displaced are due to leave at the end of the month, but the Russian army on Wednesday (September 18th) accused the Syrian opposition and the United States of America. to prevent this evacuation.
With our correspondent in Amman, Jerome Boruszewski
Both sides accuse each other of aggravating the situation. On the one hand, the Russian military criticizes US-backed opposition forces for their " provocations " to prevent civilians from leaving the camp and justify their presence there.
On the other hand, humanitarian workers have long condemned the attitude of Russia, but also those of Jordan and the army of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who, on the spot, would block the delivery of aid. in order to force the displaced to return home and allow the Syrian government to take over this strategic region since it is located on the main axis of communication between Tehran, Baghdad and Damascus.
On the spot, the civilians are caught between the interests of these great powers and they suffer. Last winter, several infants died of cold in Rukban. A humanitarian convoy has just arrived at the camp, but the previous delivery was in February. For seven months now, the occupants have to rely on smuggling and contraband.
Despite this, half of the displaced in Rukban do not want to return home, according to a UN study last month. In case of repatriation, many fear being arrested or forced to join the ranks of the Syrian army.