Assad’s Militias Take Revenge on Civilians Following a Series of Rebel Advances in Idlib

Press Statement

Salem Al Meslet

Spokesperson of the Syrian Coalition

April 27, 2015

Commenting on the latest reports by human rights activists that at least 70 civilians, including women and children, were killed in regime aerial bombardment of Idlib province during the past 24 hours, spokesperson of the Syrian Coalition said:

“When they lose ground to rebel fighters, it has long been the modus operandi of Assad militias to rush to take revenge on the civilian population by escalating indiscriminate aerial attacks killing and injuring scores of innocent civilians.

“Such evil attacks are also designed to prevent any sort of successful governance by causing irreparable damage to infrastructure in areas where Assad’s militias have been pushed back.

“This systematic targeting of non-combatants is a crime against humanity, and those responsible must be held accountable. The UN Security Council needs to consider a wide range of steps to protect civilians in Syria including through the authorisation of a no-fly zone, which would also allow unfettered aid access to hundreds of thousands of people in need; create the right conditions for much needed governance; and make it possible for refugees to return to their homes and rebuild their country."