Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Syria Board of Inquiry
The Secretary-General has decided to establish an internal United Nations Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident
involving a United Nations – Syrian Arab Red Crescent relief operation to Urum al-Kubra, Syria, on 19 September 2016.
In the evening of 19 September, as 31 trucks delivered lifesaving assistance in Urum al-Kubra, a few kilometres west of
Aleppo city, humanitarians came under fire. At least 18 people, including the head of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent in
Urum al-Kubra, were killed. The warehouse where supplies were being unloaded, as well as a nearby medical clinic, were
also severely damaged.
The Board of Inquiry will ascertain the facts of the incident and report to the Secretary-General upon the completion of
its work. The Secretary-General will review the report and decide what further steps to take.
The Secretary-General urges all parties concerned to cooperate fully with the Board.
New York, 30 September 2016