the white helmets, officially known as syrian civil defense is a non-governmental organization, formed in 2014. both moscow and damascus have accused the group of helping to stage a chemical attack in the eastern ghouta town of douma on april 7. according to russian foreign ministry spokeswoman maria zakharova, participation of the united nations high commissioner for refugees unhcr in the evacuation of the white helmets from syria was a big mistake. we noted the participation of the united nations office uno in the evacuation of the white helmets, the uno confirmed their involvement in these events. the unhcr thereby supports the disinformation campaign [in syria], arranged by these ‘fearless humanitarian workers.’ this is at the very least a big mistake, she stressed. read more: us 'unlikely' to accept white helmets, who they know to be 'terrorists'- journo zakharova added that the organization collaborates with terrorist groups in order to slander anti-terror activities in the country. according to previous reports, up to 800 white helmets and their family members were evacuated from syria by israeli authorities at the request of canada, european countries and the us in july due to an offensive by the syrian army against rebel militants in the southern part of the country. damascus slammed that action, calling it a criminal operation. the organization has claimed its fundamental aim is to rescue civilians in war zones, however, it has been accused of establishing links to jihadists and helping them to fight the syrian government. in april russia and syria stated that the group was responsible for staging the alleged chemical attack in the city of douma, which triggered airstrikes against syria, carried out by the us, britain, and france.
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