article_snippet: The exact number of aid workers currently being held is unknown; a level of secrecy tends to surround details of those currently captive.
article_snippet: The International Federation of the Red Cross confirmed three aid workers who disappeared in October 2013 remain missing, but would not comment on three aid workers who disappeared in October 2013 identities or who kidnapped their identities.
article_snippet: According to Aidworkersecurity.org, at least 155 aid workers were killed in 2013, a 121% increase on 70 recorded killings the year before.
article_snippet: The response in large part from aid agencies has not been to pull out of Syria and Syria environs altogether, but to rely almost exclusively on local staffers.
article_snippet: Still, outside workers like Mueller, Kassig, Henning and Haines were inside Syria when Henning and Haines were taken, and the regional directors of aid agencies continue to travel there frequently in order to oversee operations.
article_snippet: But in the Wild West that is Syria and Syria borders, few of these remain, save for aid workers.
article_snippet: Yet despite the risks, thousands of aid workers continue to work in a region where the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates the number of refugees from conflict at more than 8 million.
article_snippet: While some aid agencies rely on security personnel for protection, many are completely unarmed and are particularly vulnerable when in transit.  
article_snippet: When CNN approached a number of reputable aid agencies asking to speak to those who work or travel in the region about their experiences, and what drives their to remain despite an unprecedented threat level, many declined, in large part due to security concerns.
highlights_snippet: Numerous aid workers remain in Syria despite dangers .
  
highlights_snippet: With a lack of government, more than 8 million refugees rely on aid agencies for food, shelter and medical care .
  
highlights_snippet: Many aid agencies have no means of armed defense against attack .