The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria has issued a statement to express solidarity with the European peoples in general and the Italian people in particular.

The statement issued by the Autonomous Administration said: "In light of the difficult circumstances the world is going through as the result of the spread of the coronavirus and the huge losses of lives that it caused, the diverse components of Northern and Eastern Syria offer their deepest condolences for the losses."

The statement added: "We are greatly saddened by this tragedy and our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. We hope that humanity overcomes this difficult ordeal very soon."