Oxfam condemns killing two of its workers in attack in Syria
Two Oxfam aid workers were today killed in an attack at 2pm local time in Dar’a governorate in Southern Syria, between Nawa and Al-Yadudah.
Wissam Hazim, Southern Hub Staff Safety Officer and Adel Al-Halabi, a driver, were both killed when their vehicle was attacked by a so-far unidentified armed group. An Oxfam volunteer was also injured.
Oxfam paid tribute to the workers, condemned the attack and called on all sides to ensure the safety of staff delivering lifesaving aid to civilians caught in the conflict.
Moutaz Adham, Oxfam Syria Country Director, said: “We are devastated by the loss of two valued colleagues who were killed as they worked to deliver aid to civilians caught in the Syrian conflict. Our love and thoughts are with their families.
“We condemn the attack in the strongest possible terms. It is essential that aid workers are able to get lifesaving assistance to civilians without being attacked themselves.”
Notes to editors:
- Wissam Hazim had worked for Oxfam since May 2017. Adel Al-Halabi joined Oxfam in January 2017. Both were Syrian nationals.
- Last year Oxfam in Syria helped over 1.2million people with aid including clean water, cash, essential clothing items, and support to help make a living and grow nutritious food.
