US-based aid group helping Syrians shut down in Turkey
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s government has revoked the registration of a U.S-based aid group, forcing it to shut down operations that provided assistance to conflict-stricken Syrians from Turkey, the group said Wednesday.
The Portland, Oregon-based Mercy Corps said it was “seeking a dialogue” with Turkish authorities to resume operations that constitute one of the largest humanitarian operations for Syria.
“Our hearts are broken by this turn of events, which comes after five years of co-operation with the government of Turkey,” the group said in a statement.
Christine Bragale, Mercy Corps’ media relations director, told The Associated Press by telephone that the registration was revoked on Feb. 20. The group was not given a reason for the decision.