Syrian Coalition Declares Halfaya a Disaster Zone

Media Note

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

May 23, 2013

The latest, relentless attack of Qusair by Assad forces, with the help of Hezbollah and Iranian militias, has resulted in mass destruction of the area and its surroundings. Just 80km north of Qusair, Assad’s Shabeeha have executed fifteen individuals. The City of Halfaya, in rural Hama, has been systematically destroyed, after Assad forces surrounded and besieged the city, and attacked it with heavy shelling for two weeks. This morning, Assad forces took control of the city and entered.

According to activists, Assad gangs and Shabeeha began systematically killing residents upon entering the city. They looted homes, followed by a campaign of destruction and burning. This resulted in at least 40% of homes burned to the ground.

The appeals of distress came directly from residents of Halfaya who managed to escape. They pleaded for rescue from the Shabeeha’s murderous attacks. These innocent civilians have lost their loved ones, their homes, and their livelihoods. Now, they await a response from the international community and Arab countries to rescue them from this massive devastation.

However, the calls of these citizens have fallen upon deaf ears, and the Syrian Coalition must now declare Halfaya a disaster zone. Currently, its citizens lack basic life necessities and are in desperate need of relief assistance.

We ask for mercy for our martyrs, health for our wounded, and freedom for our prisoners.

Long live Syria and its people, free, and with honor.