The Assad Regime’s Use of a Strange Gas in Qaboun, Damascus

Media Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

September 08, 2013

On Monday, in an attempt to create confusion and distraction, the Assad regime has attacked civilians in Qaboun, Damascus using a strange substances, with stinging effects. The regime is attempting to spread chaos and panic among the residents of Qaboun after months of terrorizing them with bombs and explosive barrels.

The Syrian Coalition calls upon countries of the free world, as well as humanitarian organizations, to act immediately to save civilian lives in Syria. The inaction of the international community will only embolden Assad to commit more crimes and use chemical weapons again and again.

The Syrian Coalition warns that the failure of the international community to act will make commonplace the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime.

Moreover, the continued impotence of the UN Security Council, leading to its failure to assume its responsibilities in maintaining peace and security in the region, raises serious questions about the existence and function of such a body. The legitimacy of the Security Council is at stake after two and a half years of failure to protect civilians in Syria.

The Syrian Coalition calls on countries, whose interest it is to maintain international peace and security, to form an international alliance to act immediately to save civilian lives in Syria and support the Syrian people’s aspirations for freedom, justice, and dignity.

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.