Syrian Coalition Condemns Utaiba Killings and Demands an Investigation

Press Release

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

February 27, 2014

The Syrian Coalition condemns the cowardly act of killing civilians who tried to escape the siege imposed by the Assad regime on Eastern Ghouta, rural Damascus. The Syrian Coalition also offers its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of civilians killed in this heinous ambush.

Pro-Assad forces ambushed a convoy of civilians, supported by Hezbollah militias, near the town of Utaiba on their way out of Eastern Ghouta. Civilians were leaving because basic foods and medicine are scarce due to siege tactics deployed by the regime.

The regime’s media reported that they were targeting “Islamic fighters”, but instead sent vehicles into the area to move piles of dead civilians, in a stark violation of international humanitarian law.

The Syrian Coalition calls on the United Nations to carry out an independent investigation into these crime and hold accountable those responsible. Furthermore the UN should stress the need to remove the Assad regime to ensure abuses and violations against human rights are to come to an end.

The Assad regime must realize it cannot continue to out horrific abuses against civilians with impunity.

We ask for Mercy for our martyrs, health for our wounded, and freedom for our detainees.

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