Valerie Amos, the United Nations Humanitarian Chief, headed to the battered central Syrian city of Homs on Wednesday, where activist have accused Syrian regime forces of trying to veil evidence of a month long military assault and alleged execution-style killings. The Syrian government had not allowed any aid workers into the Homs neighborhood of Baba Amr, despite international appeals, claiming there were security risks. However, activist reportedly claim the government has been engaged in a “mopping-up” operation to hide their activities.
Amos reported that his visit to Syria is “to urge all sides to allow unhindered access for humanitarian relief workers so they can evacuate the wounded and deliver essential supplies.” Since the year long uprising that began in March 2011, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has continued to blame armed gangs and foreign terrorists for the unrest in violence, not protestors seeking change. On Tuesday, al-Assad said that he will continue to confront “foreign-backed terrorism.” The U.N. reports more than 7,500 people have been massacred in Syria since its uprising began, but activist put the death toll at more than 8,000.
