Syrian Network for Human Rights: 97% of Cluster Munitions are in Civilian Areas

The Syrian Network for Human Rights documented that 11 opposition-held districts in Aleppo came under shelling by 23 cluster bombs since the beginning of 2014. The investigation conducted by a team of the Network has shown that “almost all targeted areas are densely populated and there is no concrete evidence of the presence of FSA fighters. The Network also said that the cluster bomblets were scattered among civilian homes, schools and parks and that removing them needs specialized teams. The investigative team, which prepared the report, demands that the United Nations send a committee of experts to investigate about these bombs.  It also pointed out that the Syrian opposition must send specialists to remove the cluster bomblets.” Regime forces have been increasingly using the internationally banned cluster bombs since the beginning of this year. The targeted areas listed in the report include Aqyrabat in eastern Hama on February 17, 2014, Kafr Zeta on 18th and 19th of February and on March 25th, Yabroud, Khan Shaikhoun on March, 23 and 25, 2014. Fadel Abdul Ghani, head of Syrian Network for Human Rights, said that Security Council should pass a resolution to destroy the regime’s arsenal of cluster bombs similar to the one that was passed for the destruction of Assad’s chemical weapons. “Regime forces used cluster bombs in nine Syrian provinces, killing 139 civilians at least, including 58 children and 14 women, which means that the proportion of women and children is 60 %. Four rebels are among the victims, which also means that 97% of the victims are civilians. More than 1,580 people at least were injured by these bombs, as they spread over an area of ​​more than 30,000 square meters and therefore the real number of victims cannot be precisely defined. (Source: Orient TV + Syrian Coalition)