MESOP : CHUCK HAGEL = ASSAD BENEFITS FROM COALITION IR STRIKES

U.N. Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Kyung-wha Kang said in a briefing Thursday the humanitarian crisis in Syria is worsening and that “The collective punishment inflicted upon civilians is appalling.” U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura proposed an “action plan” of implementing local cease-fires, or “incremental freeze zones,” to allow for aid deliveries and local mediation efforts. U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Thursday acknowledged the Syrian regime is benefiting from U.S.-led airstrikes targeting Islamic State militants in Syria, however he noted the United States is pursuing a long-term strategy in the region.

U.S. intelligence and counterterrorism officials reported over 1,000 foreign fighters travel to Syria each month. They noted that this rate has remained constant, despite coalition airstrikes.