The Attack on Homs

Media Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

July 06, 2013

As Assad forces continue to attack the city of Homs, The Syrian Coalition strongly urges and reminds the international community of their responsibility to protect the Syrian people from Assad’s constant assault with artillery and his usage of chemical weapons. We stress the need for an immediate response, including the opening of an emergency humanitarian corridor to remove innocent civilians remaining in the city.

The Syrian Coalition previously warned that Assad would use chemical weapons in Homs to punish those who want freedom. Over the past several hours, there has been violent bombardment with heavy artillery on Homs. We ask the international community to respond to these atrocities and exercise its full capabilities to protect the Syrian people from the Assad regime’s criminal acts.

Yesterday, Assad, with the support of Hezbollah militia, launched hundreds of rockets and continues with a campaign of severe mortar shelling. Videos released by activists show the regime shelling of the Al Khalidiyah neighborhood using new types of missiles, chemical weapons, and incendiary elements.

Below you will find a group of videos taken on July 5, 2013 documenting the events unfolding in Homs:

Gases used in besieged Homs that cause unknown burns to the body, July 5, 2013

Khalidiya neighborhood in Homs is suffocating due to heavy shelling and gasses, Warning: video difficult to watch, July 5, 2013

Field hospital overcrowded with injured people as a result of the bombing of toxic gases in the Khalidiya neighborhood of Homs, July 5, 2013

The regime set forests and horticulture on fire in the neighbourhood of Al Waer in Homs, July 5, 2013:

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.