Press release
Syrian National Coalition – Syria
Department of Media and Communications
December 2, 2019
The Assad regime and its allies are waging an all-out war on all forms of life in Idlib province through brutal aerial bombardment by the Assad regime and Russian air forces as well as shelling by Iranian militias.
In the past few hours, violent aerial and ground bombardment pummeled southern and southeastern rural Idlib as part of a terrorist war targeting residential areas, especially popular markets. The attacks killed at least nine civilians in the town of Maaret al-Numan as well as caused many civilian casualties in the town of Saraqib. Regime warplanes bombed a vegetable market in the town.
The latest developments on the ground clearly show that we are facing not only war crimes or sporadic violations, but also an all-out war on innocent civilians. We are facing a series of organized, deliberate criminal acts that confirm that the Syrian people are facing an international terrorist coalition seeking to exterminate the Syrian people, destroy their resources, and displace entire generations.
Contrary to all unfounded allegations and lies about countering terrorism, the Assad regime’s violations, its criminal war and its support for terrorism have been deliberate and systematic from the outset. The international silence on these atrocities represents ignominious moral failure consolidating impunity and lack of accountability, which will have dire consequences for the future of the region and the world.
The rogue states’ protection and covering up of the murderous regime as well as their aiding and abetting of war crimes does not absolve the international community of its responsibilities. The United Nations remains responsible for taking concrete action to stop the killing, destruction, and displacement once and for all. As resolutions and laws are not enforced by themselves, the major actors are obliged to urgently shoulder their responsibilities with regards to the protection of civilians, holding criminals accountable, and enforcing UN Security Council resolutions.
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