http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Tucker/ti%20121010%20Syria%20charity.mp3
http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Tucker/ME%20121010%20Syria.mp3
As the civil war continues to escalate, humanitarian organizations are struggling to get aide to refugees inside Syria. One Connecticut resident is working to smuggle in food and medical supplies.
It's dangerous for humanitarian groups to bring aide to those inside Syria. A lot of that aide is going to refugees that have fled into neighboring countries. But there are still 5 million people inside the war-torn country that need help.
The American-based Swasia Charity Foundation brings food and medical supplies into Syria. West Haven resident Adib Chouiki is among those working with the organization.
Chouiki has been following the events in Syria closely. He's Syrian himself and many of his family members still live there. His nephew was in the Syrian military before switching sides.
"He did defect and refused to point his weapons at his own people so the government forces had shot him and they the burned the house where he was hiding," said Chouiki
It's a tricky and dangerous operation for the Swasia Charity Foundation too. Volunteers operating in Syria keep a low profile to avoid unwanted attention from the government. But charity workers are communicating with the rebels in cities like Aleppo and Homs to help navigate the front lines of the war.
"They are aware of our foundation," said Chouiki. "They know our volunteers who stay always under the radar because if they got caught, that's it for them."
Chouiki says they are in need of medical supplies, especially patches and compresses that can be used to stop bleeding.
