DAMASCUS, June 27 (Xinhua) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Wednesday expressed concern over the safety of civilians in the southern province of Daraa, amid an ongoing military showdown there.
Tens of thousands of people in Daraa are "in harm's way," as battles are raging in the province and other rebel-held areas in the countryside of the provinces of Quneitra and Sweida between the Syrian army and rebel groups, the ICRC said in a statement.
The international organization has urged all conflict parties to "show restraint and to do their utmost to spare civilians."
ICRC is receiving reports about people fleeing as the frontlines shift, said the statement, citing Robert Mardini, the ICRC regional director for the Near and Middle East.
"We ask those fighting and neighboring countries to facilitate civilians' access to safety and essential services, including life-saving medical care," Mardini said.
While expressing readiness to provide urgent relief for the displaced, the ICRC said "civilians should, as always, have options to flee violence and seek refuge and protection."
