Assad’s Recent Massacres in Dara’a and Homs

Media Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

July 05, 2013

The Syrian Coalition issues an urgent appeal to the United Nations, its affiliated organizations, and the group of Friends of Syria to intervene immediately to provide humanitarian access into the besieged areas of Dara’a and Homs.

The Assad regime, supported by Hezbollah’s militias, continues to shell the neighborhoods in Old Homs. Homs has been under bombardment by Assad's regime for five consecutive days and clashes on front lines intensified earlier today.

The areas under attack in Homs have been cut off from the rest of the world and suffer an urgent shortage of medicine and staple foods.

Yesterday in Dara’a, many people died as Assad’s forces bombarded residential areas in Ibtaa, Sheikh Miskeen, Jassim, Inkhel, and Dara'a al-Mahatta with rockets and artillery shells. The shelling continues today as military aircrafts hover over Dara’a province.

The Syrian Coalition reiterates the need to support FSA (Free Syrian Army) fighters and the urgency of enabling them to defend civilians.

We call on all media outlets to continue to report on developments in Syria. News blackouts only encourage Assad’s regime to commit more crimes against the Syrian people.

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.