Syria’s White Helmets and the long history of attacking wartime humanitarians

A White Helmet volunteer holds a pigeon as a symbol of peace during a solidarity protest in al Ghouta, Syria, in August 2017. EPA-EFE/MOHAMMED BADRA.

The evacuation of 422 White Helmet volunteers from Syria seemingly marks the end of a daring five-year humanitarian mission in one of the world’s most war torn countries, writes James Crossland.

Founded and initially trained by a retired British officer and comprised of local recruits, the White Helmets (AKA the Syrian Civil Defence) were formed in 2013.