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UN says protection of civilians in Syria is paramount; monitors reports of detainee escapes
Summary
The UN spokesperson urged parties to avoid actions that endanger civilians and said the Security Council has repeatedly dealt with Syria; he acknowledged reports of detainee escapes and said UN offices are assessing data and will follow up with authorities and local actors.
In opening remarks, spokesperson Farhan said the United Nations is "closely monitoring" developments in Syria and reiterated that "the protection of civilians must remain paramount," urging all parties to uphold de-escalation and ceasefire understandings.
During question time reporters pressed the briefing team about reports that detainees had escaped from ISIS detention facilities and whether such escapes could allow militants to reconstitute. Farhan said the UN "expressed our concerns at yesterday's briefing about the situation involving the potential escape of detainees" and that the Office of Counterterrorism maintains data on affiliated groups. He added the situation is fluid and that the UN would "be in touch with the Syrian authorities and try to get further information about what the nature of this situation has been," while also engaging with local actors such as the SDF.
When asked whether a member state had called for a Security Council session, Farhan noted that the Security Council "has repeatedly dealt with the situation in Syria" and that it is for the Council to determine further steps. He said the UN will continue to draw attention through its special envoy and other mechanisms.
The briefing gave no new independent casualty or escape totals for the recent days; Farhan said it was "hard to say at this stage how many people have escaped" and emphasized evaluation and follow-up with national and local authorities.
The spokesman's remarks framed the issue as ongoing monitoring and diplomatic engagement rather than immediate operational detail; no new UN-led field operations or Security Council action was announced at the briefing.
