UK announces new funding for White Helmets in Syria

LONDON

Britain announced Friday new financial support to the Syria Civil Defense, or White Helmets, "in response to escalation."

A Foreign Office statement said that £300,000 ($380,000) have been allocated to the White Helmets following more than £2 million ($2.54 million) provided by the UK in 2024.

It noted the new funding will support vital humanitarian operations, including search and rescue and humanitarian access.

Hamish Falconer, minister for the Middle East, said he met representatives from the White Helmet earlier this week and praised the "invaluable work" carried out by Syria’s Civil Defense.

"Today, I am announcing an additional £300,000 to support the White Helmets at this critical time. This funding will help the White Helmets meet the humanitarian challenges arising from the ongoing escalation," he added.

Clashes between regime forces and anti-regime groups erupted Nov. 27 in the western countryside of Aleppo.

By Nov. 30, opposition forces had taken control of most of Aleppo’s city center and established dominance across Idlib province.

On Dec. 1, the Syrian National Army launched Operation Dawn of Freedom against the PKK/YPG terror group in the Tel Rifaat district of Aleppo's countryside, liberating the area from terror elements.

On Dec. 5, anti-regime forces captured the city of Hama and are advancing toward Homs.