Ban to set up probe into deadly attack on UN-Syrian Arab Red Crescent aid convoy in Western Aleppo

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will establish an internal United Nations Board of Inquiry to investigate the deadly 19 September incident involving a UN–Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) relief operation to Urum al-Kubra, a town in western Aleppo Governorate.

According to a statement issued today by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson, 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 SARC in Urum al-Kubra, were killed. The warehouse where supplies were being unloaded, as well as a nearby medical clinic, were also severely damaged, according to the statement.

The Board of Inquiry will ascertain the facts of the incident and report to the Secretary-General upon the completion of its work, after which, he will review the findings and decide what further steps to take.

“The Secretary-General urges all parties concerned to cooperate fully with the Board,” the statement concludes.