Trump Releases Funds To Protect Ethnic And Religious Minorities In Syria

(The Hill) President Trumpon Saturday authorized the release of $50 million in emergency assistance to Syrian human rights groups and other organizations working to protect civilians in the war-torn country. A statement from the White House Saturday evening said the funds would provide emergency financial assistance to Syrian human rights defenders civil society organizations and reconciliation efforts directly supporting ethnic and religious minority victims of the conflict. It will also go toward increased accountability removal of explosive remnants of war community security for stabilization assistance documenting human rights abuses and international humanitarian law violations and support for survivors of gender-based violence and torture read the statement. Trump faced heavy criticism from lawmakers in both parties following his administrations announcement this week that it would withdraw troops from the northern region of Syria currently targeted by a Turkish military action aimed at Kurdish militant groups that aided the U.S. and coalition forces against the Islamic State (ISIS).