Assad's Bombardment of the Euphrates Dam in Raqqa

Media Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

September 08, 2013

Assad’s Air Forces have dropped explosive barrels on the Euphrates Dam in Raqqa, endangering the lives of millions of people, and setting a dangerous new precedent, specifically in the eastern provinces.

Such carelessness about the lives of millions of people only demonstrates that Assad is willing to commit genocide against the Syria people; and in this particular case against the people in the eastern provinces such as Deir Ezzor and Raqqa, just to remain in power.

After the use of chemical weapons, Assad has embarked upon another humanitarian disaster, the gravity of which he does not seem to realize. The Euphrates Dam is the largest dam in Syria and is an important source of electricity. If the dam breaks due to the regime’s bombardment, thousands of people, if not millions, could lose their lives in the civilian areas surrounding the dam.

The international community has a duty to act immediately to put an end to this black chapter in the history of Syria. All possible actions must be taken immediately to restrain a tyrant who continues to slaughter innocent civilians and destroy entire neighborhoods just to remain in power.

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.

(This statement has been corrected changing Deir Ezzor in title and paragraph 1 to Raqqa)