Since October 9, MSF has evacuated international staff from Ain Issa, Al Hol, Tal Abyad, Tal Tamer, Tal Kocher/Al Yaarubiyah, Kobane/Ain Al Arab, and Raqqa city. These have been extremely difficult decisions, as MSF is well aware of the needs of displaced and vulnerable people in northeastern Syria.
Given the numerous groups fighting on different sides in northeastern Syria, it has become impossible for MSF to ensure the safety of Syrian or international staff. MSF's decision comes as the conflict changes rapidly and unpredictably, and humanitarian needs are likely to increase. In recent days, airstrikes, shelling, and armed clashes have had a grave impact on the civilian population.