The United Nations Food Programme has begun sending humanitarian aid to Rojava by air to avert food shortages due to the onset of winter. The first flight from Hewler to Qamişlo, planned for last week, but cancelled on account of adverse weather conditions, took place yesterday. These flights are expected to continue for 12 days.

UN aid to Syria is mainly sent from Lebanon and Jordan, but due to conflict and geographical factors only part of this aid reaches Rojava.

Therefore, after obtaining permission for flights from the Iraqi and Syrian governments it was decided to send aid to Rojava by air.

The UN humanitarian aid consists of 400 tonnes of food and 196 kilos of medical material. On account of objections from the Bashar Assad government humanitarian aid cannot be delivered to Rojava from Turkey.

UN representatives say this aid will be provided to 60 thousand people in the region.