Syrian Coalition: Attacks Targeting Civilians in Deir Ezzor Must Come to End

Press release

Syrian Coalition

Department of Media and Communications

November 15, 2018

Massacres by aircraft of the international anti-ISIS coalition against civilians in Deir Ezzor continue as dozens of civilians were killed in airstrikes by the coalition on the town of Soussa in rural Deir Ezzor on Thursday. The majority of the victims were women and children.

Today's massacre came after a series of massacres that have taken place in the province in recent weeks in utter disregard for the lives of civilians. Earlier airstrikes by the international coalition caused a massacre claiming the lives of more than 30 civilians in the town of Hajeen. An airstrike also targeted a prison near the town, killing and injuring inmates inside.

The information from Deir Ezzor province, which is under internal and external blockade, is coming late amid lack of basic services, including most importantly healthcare. Local sources indicated that 18 people, including 10 children, were killed in the airstrikes that hit the region on Thursday.

The Syrian Coalition strongly condemns these attacks as it calls for an immediate halt to airstrikes targeting civilian areas, regardless of any justification. It underscores the need for an immediate investigation into these crimes and all crimes against civilians as well as for holding those responsible to account so as to ensure that such crimes are not repeated.