Assad’s Barbaric Offensive on Southern Damascus

Press Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

November 14, 2013

Assad’s forces, backed by fighters from Hezbollah and Shia militants from Iraq, continue to target neighborhoods in southern Damascus. The Syrian Coalition warns of possible massacres against civilians, similar to the terrifying incident that took place in the town of Ziabiyah a few weeks ago, where scores of civilians were slain with knives and burned alive.

Thousands of civilians trapped in southern neighborhoods in Damascus are calling for help after vital facilities have been completely destroyed by the shelling. Reports coming from southern Damascus indicate the situation is extremely critical as no one is allowed in or out of those areas, while airstrikes and rocket bombardments continue for several consecutive days. Dozens have been killed and many more injured, with no access to proper medical care.

Today marks 365 days under siege for areas in rural Damascus, including Moadamiya and Daraya. The tight siege on those areas has meant no food, medicine and at times even no water gets in. Civilians have begun to suffer from malnutrition and some, mostly children, have even died from starvation.

The Syrian Coalition calls on the international community to assume their responsibilities towards civilians in areas south of the capital Damascus, and push for the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors in order to allow safe access of assistance including foods and medicine to those in need. The world has moral duty to stop Assad and his sectarian militias from killing innocent civilians in Syria.

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.