...The White Helmets (click here) were nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2016 for their work in Syria.
But the Syrian government and its allies have long vilified the group. The Russian government, in particular, has called the White Helmets "terrorists," and accused them of staging recent chemical attacks linked to the regime.
CNN's Hamdi Alkhshali and Elise Labott contributed reporting.
No one else is going to save the lives of Syrian children. These are three examples of their vital work and need for continued funding by the USA government. Their funding should not be interrupted.
By Kylie Atwood
Less than two months ago, (click here) the State Department hosted members of the White Helmets at Foggy Bottom. At the time, the humanitarian group was showered with praise for saving lives in Syria.
"Our meetings in March were very positive. There were even remarks from senior officials about long-term commitments even into 2020. There were no suggestions whatsoever about stopping support," Raed Saleh, the group's leader, told CBS News.
Now they are not getting any U.S funding as the State Department says the support is "under active review." The U.S had accounted for about a third of the group's overall funding.
"This is a very worrisome development," said an official from the White Helmets. "Ultimately, this will negatively impact the humanitarian workers ability to save lives."
The White Helmets, formally known as the Syrian Civil Defense, are a group of 3,000 volunteer rescuers that have saved thousands of lives since the Syrian civil war began in 2011. A makeshift 911, they have run into the collapsing buildings to pull children, men and women out of danger's way. They say they have saved more than 70,000 lives....
