Humanitarian Disaster Looms in Houla, Rural Homs

Press Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

October 4, 2013

The Syrian Coalition launches an urgent warning and appeal to the international community that Assad is possibly planning a massacre in Houla, rural Homs. A humanitarian disaster is unfolding in besieged Houla as Assad forces attempt to take control of the strategic villages Burj Qa’e and Sam’aleel. These two villages constitute Houla’s only lifeline.

In light of the continued news blackout, the Assad regime is using all available weapons to try to take control of these two villages. If Assad succeeds in this attack, it will tighten the siege on more than 90 thousand civilians living in that small area. Committing a massacre in Houla then would be just a matter of time.

Assad forces have carried out three offensives against the area in the past few days, but have failed. This has prompted the Assad regime to send military reinforcements including more than 20 tanks, armored vehicles, and personnel carriers.

The Syrian Coalition unveils these facts before the Friends of Syria group, the international community, and international relief and humanitarian organizations. It wishes to remind these institutions and countries of their ethical responsibilities towards saving the lives of innocent men, women and children. Humanitarian corridors must be established to allow safe access of aid. Necessary support must be provided in order to stop the bloodshed and put an end to the massacres and daily killings that Syrian people have been witnessing for the past two and a half years.

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.