The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said Wednesday it has delivered aid to a rebel-held area of the war-shattered northern city of Aleppo in a "rare and risky" operation carried out in coordination with the Syrian Red Crescent. The U.N. refugee agency said in a statement that the operation happened following an agreement with the Syrian government and the opposition to observe a brief cease-fire that was respected by both sides. UNHCR said two trucks carrying blankets, plastic sheeting, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, and food were delivered to the needy in the besieged neighborhood of Bustan al-Qasr in eastern Aleppo. U.N. staff observed a "dire" humanitarian situation in the area, including acute shortage of food, water, and medicine, the statement said. UNHCR last accessed the area in June 2013.
