London (Agencies): The UK has announced a significant aid package of £11 million for Syria, a move that has sparked controversy due to the involvement of areas controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group with historical ties to al-Qaeda.
The aid is intended to support the most vulnerable populations in Syria, including over 370,000 people displaced by the ongoing conflict.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that the aid is crucial for humanitarian relief and is not an endorsement of any militant group. He stated that the UK government is closely monitoring the situation and will judge HTS by their actions, particularly their treatment of civilians and cooperation with international efforts to monitor chemical weapons.
The announcement comes as the UK and its allies consider whether to remove HTS from their list of proscribed terrorist organizations. HTS, formerly known as the Nusra Front, has attempted to distance itself from al-Qaeda since 2016. The UK government has reiterated that no decision is pending on this matter and that the focus remains on providing humanitarian assistance.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the importance of ensuring that aid reaches those in need while maintaining strict oversight to prevent misuse. He noted that the UK and its allies have spent over a decade combating terrorism in Syria and remain committed to protecting the public from terrorist threats.
The aid package is part of a broader effort to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria, which has been exacerbated by years of conflict and instability. The UK government has pledged to continue working with international partners to support the Syrian people and promote stability in the region