The United Nations is removing half of its 100 international staff from Syria following heavy fighting in the capital Damascus. An additional 800 Syrian staffers have been told to work from home temporarily. Martin Nesirky, spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, made the announcement Monday.

Martin Nesirky: “Yesterday and today, a number of mortar shells fell in close proximity to and on the grounds of the hotel in Damascus housing U.N. staff. The mortar fire caused some damage to the building and some cars, including one U.N. vehicle. The United Nations Security Management Team has assessed the situation and decided to temporarily reduce the presence of international staff in Damascus due to security conditions.”