A humanitarian appeal from the Kurdish Red Crescent

To the relevant authorities and the public:

We are writing to you with deep concern and regret to report the loss of contact with our colleague, Taher Rakan Taher, also known as “Anas Amsha,” since 2:00 PM on January 18, 2026. Our colleague was performing his noble humanitarian duty of saving lives while traveling from Raqqa to Hasakah, as part of relief and humanitarian efforts to assist those affected by the conflict.

We have received alarming reports indicating that civilian convoys and medical personnel are being targeted by armed groups in the area. Based on these reports, we are deeply concerned that our colleague, Taher Rakan Taher, may have been injured or captured by these groups.

Therefore, we urge anyone with information about our colleague, his whereabouts, or who is holding him, to contact us immediately and provide any information that could help locate and secure his release. Targeting medical and humanitarian personnel in conflict zones constitutes a war crime under international law and conventions, and represents a flagrant violation of human rights.

While we hold the Syrian government responsible for protecting medical and humanitarian personnel working in conflict zones, we also hold it fully responsible for the consequences of this incident and for the safety of our colleague, Taher Rakan Taher. We urge the government to take immediate action and all necessary measures to ensure his immediate release and safe return to his family.

In conclusion, we hope for your cooperation and prompt response to this appeal, and we look forward to receiving any information that may help in rescuing our colleague, Taher Rakan Taher, and enabling him to resume his noble humanitarian work.