Statement

Syrian Coalition Media Office

Istanbul, Turkey

April 27, 2013

The Local Council of Daraya, located in the south of Damascus, stated that the rockets that fell on the morning of April 25th carried warheads containing toxic gases. When these rockets exploded, they created a large gas cloud. The explosion led to 42 cases of choking accompanied by severe allergic reactions and severe vomiting.

Those affected were taken to field hospitals and were treated with the medical assistance available. Activists documented the cases on the ground through pictures, videos, and other means. Activists also noted that animals in the area fled from the severe gases.

This escalation of events confirms Assad’s determination to use chemical weapons against Syrians, as they stand firm in their quest for freedom. Moreover, this incident demonstrates the desperation of the regime after daily failed attempts to enter the city.

The regime has bombarded and attacked Darya consistently for months now, through armored vehicles, military convoys, rocket and artillery firing, aerial bombardment, and now this latest attempt through chemical warfare. The Syrian Coalition fears the regime will commit major atrocities against the city in the face of their desperation to regain control.

The Syrian Coalition denounces the use of chemical weapons and invites the international community to send an expert delegation to collect samples and analyze what has been used against civilians. The Syrian Coalition is prepared to fully cooperate with the international community to provide required evidence. The use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime is a major offense and a ‘red line’ requiring swift and serious response.

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.