Statement Regarding the Massacre in Deir Baalbeh

On 29 December 2012, Assad’s forces and shabiha (pro-Assad militia) perpetrated a new cold-blooded massacre in Homs, particularly in the regions of Old Town and Deir Baalbeh, leaving 220 people killed--including men, women, and children.

The Syrian army carried out an extensive military assault several days ago using all kinds of weapons and air forces in order to strike the brigades of the Free Syrian army, that had been trying to free civilians trapped in the region for months. After fierce resistance, rebels were forced to withdraw from the region of Deir Baalbeh. Soon after the withdrawal, pro-Assad militia and shabiha, mostly from the regions of Abbasiya and Zuhoor, took revenge on 40 families, who had not been able to flee.

This recent massacre is yet another living example which reflects the regime's real intention to suppress the will of the Syrian people. This shameless act refutes the claims recently put in the media suggesting that Assad's regime is genuinely open for talks leading to a political solution. These claims are merely a mischievous attempt to allow Assad's regime more time to suppress the revolution.

The National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces reiterate its firm stand with the legitimate demands of the Syrian people until they achieve their freedom and prosperity. Accordingly, the Syrian Coalition urges the U.N. Security Council to hold an emergency meeting and stop Assad's regime crimes against the Syrian people and prosecute all parties involved in providing the murderous regime with weapons, financial support, military training, and fighters. Finally, the Coalition calls on the international community to fulfill their commitments of supplying the Free Syrian Army and rebels by with means of support to defend and protect innocent civilians.

May God grant our fallen heroes with peace and forgiveness, heal the wounds of our injured citizens and set free our detainees and prisoners.