U.N. official warns of mass starvation in Syrian cities

BEIRUT – The top United Nations official in Syria on Monday demanded immediate and unconditional humanitarian access to tens of thousands of people trapped in four towns, warning of starvation.

The International Committee of the Red Cross meanwhile released drone footage showing extensive damage to Ramadi, which was taken back from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant in December after heavy fighting that devastated much of the Iraqi city.

Aid must be allowed to reach Madaya, Zabadani, Foua, and Kafraya, the U.N.’s resident coordinator, Yacoub El Hillo, said in Damascus. Madaya and Zabadani, just outside the capital, are encircled by pro-government forces, while rebels are blockading Foua and Kafraya, in the country’s northwest.

http://www.startribune.com/u-n-official-warns-of-mass-starvation-in-syrian-cities/385492031/