Ankara: UAE launches new phase of support for quake victims in Turkey, Syria

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday launched a new phase of support for the victims of the February 6 earthquake disaster in Turkey and Syria.

In a statement, the UAE's Joint Operations Command said the new phase of Operation Chivalrous Knight 2 focuses on the recovery and rehabilitation in support of those affected by the earthquake in Syria and Turkey.”

According to the statement, the command plans to mobilise humanitarian, food, and medical assistance while continuing operations through the existing humanitarian air bridge.”

State news agency WAM said an Emirati health delegation will visit Syria to rehabilitate Syrian hospitals. The UAE will build camps for refugees in Syria and Türkiye, WAM said.

The news agency said the Emirati fields hospitals in Islahiye in Gaziantep city and Reyhanli town in Hatay in southern Türkiye will continue their operations.

According to WAM, the UAE dispatched 134-strong rescue teams to Turkey and Syria, flew 136 flights and dispatched 3,772 tonnes of food and medical supplies.