International rescuers rush to devastated areas, but US sanctions block relief work

ANKARA/DAMASCUS — International rescuers are racing against time searching for signs of life among the wreckage in quake-stricken regions, as the essential 72-hour window has closed. But sanctions by the United States on Syria have obstructed coordinated efforts to save lives in the country, triggering worldwide criticism.

Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country is facing "one of the biggest disasters" of its modern history.

In Syria, where the economic situation is even worse than that of Turkiye, most quake-hit cities are still waiting for international aid, especially excavation equipment and medical supplies. Rescuers in Aleppo have to dig through the rubble with their bare hands due to a lack of rescue equipment.