Assad Regime Uses Toxic Gas in Hama & Damascus

Press Release

Media Department

Syrian Coalition

March 30, 2017

The Assad regime’s air force bombed the town of Latamina and the Zwar area in northern rural of Hama with missiles loaded with toxic substances on Thursday. A similar attack targeted the district of Qaboun in eastern Damascus on Wednesday. The attacks caused dozens of cases of asphyxiation among civilians, with victims showing symptoms that included frothing at the mouth, pinpoint pupils, shortness of breath, burning eyes, and general weakness. According to a doctor who treated some of the victims, the symptoms were most likely due to the use of organic phosphorus.

The Assad regime once again uses toxic gas in the bombardment of civilian areas in a blatant violation of the Geneva Protocol and UN Security Council resolutions 2118, 2209, 2235, and 2254.

The recurrence of these crimes and violations as well as lack of appropriate response make key parties in the UN Security Council and the international community partners in these crimes and violations.

The Coalition renews calls to refer the crimes of the Assad regime and its allies to the International Criminal Court to ensure that those responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes are held accountable. Judicial proceedings should be instituted based on the mechanism adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 21, 2016 calling for prosecuting the most serious crimes committed in Syria since March 2011.

May our wounded recover, our detainees be free, and our fallen heroes rest in peace.

Long live Syria and its people, free and with honor.