Assad Bombs Civilians on a Near Daily Basis, Says Commission of Inquiry on Syria

Press Statement

Salem Al Meslet

Syrian Coalition Spokesperson

June 23, 2015

Following the latest report by the Independent International Commission of Enquiry (COI) on Syria detailing abuses committed between March 15- June 16, 2015, spokesperson of the Syrian Coalition said:

“We have consistently and categorically condemned any and all attacks against civilians. Today’s update by the COI showcases the ugly reality that Assad’s forces continue to target civilians on a daily basis in Syria; mainly through the use of indiscriminate barrel bombs, dropped on bus stations, marketplaces, and bakeries.

“The COI’s report also outlines other crimes carried out by Assad’s forces including laying sieges to towns and villages as part of a state policy of “starvation until submission”, bombing hospitals and targeting medical staff, blocking humanitarian assistance, and arresting and torturing civilians.

“Civilians are suffering the horrible consequences of a violent protracted conflict in Syria, and the international community has a moral obligation to put an end to that suffering by bringing the conflict to an end.

“Rebel groups, mainly extremists from Nusra Front and ISIS, have also targeted civilians and carried out human rights abuses in areas under their control. This, again, is a reminder of the urgent need for the international community to work towards breaking the deadlock in the UN Security Council and to take action and stop atrocities against the civilian population in Syria.”