Most United Nations Security Council members have "raised the issue" of the recent takeover of the historically Armenian town of Kessab, Syria, and urged the world body "to do more to meet the needs of these people," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power told Rep. Adam Schiff.

Congressman Adam Schiff raised the issue during a Congressional hearing, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). 

"I would note that, unfortunately, the extremist group that appears to have taken hold of that town is not one that the United States and the United Nations overall has a great deal of leverage over," Samantha Power said.

She noted that the United States support moderate opposition in Syria.

Armenian Americans thanked Adam Schiff for raising the plight of the Armenians driven out of Kessab with Ambassador Power.

"We appreciate Ambassador Power's statement that Kessab is 'an issue of huge concern,' and value her explanation to Congress about the UN Security Council's efforts to help the Armenian civilians driven from their homes by extremist militants," said Executive Director Aram Hamparian.