Daily Newsletter – 07/01/2014

Al-Maleh: Recognition of Geneva I by Iran Necessary for Geneva II Participation

Haitham al-Maleh, legal committee head, stresses that the Assad regime “is against going to Geneva II, as that means the handover of power and the formation of the transitional ruling body. However, Assad has been trying to reverse this fact through his attempts, alongside Russia and Iran, to divert the main focus of Geneva II, which is the formation of a transitional governing body without any role for Assad to play.” Maleh also points out that “we support a political solution, wherever it was, but it must...Read more

Syrian Coalition Warns of an Imminent Massacre in Yalda near Damascus
The Syrian Coalition warns of “a massacre against 1,200 civilians by the Assad regime and the terrorist militias of Abu al Fadl al Abbas Brigade.  These civilians have been…Read more

A Show of Solidarity in Refugees in Camps in Northern Syria
Fasting two consecutive days allowed Syrian refugees living in the camp of Adana, Turkey, to collect $30,000 USD to buy 670 food rations to be sent to the displaced Syrians in northern Syria. The campaign called on families living in Adba camp to donate a food card, which is valued at $10USD. Ahmad Zarzour, a relief activist said that this initiative will be in a series of similar campaigns to help the displaced people inside Syria, as they are living in harder conditions compared to those living in refugee camps in Turkey. Abu Malek, a refugee in Adana camp said that “we must support the displaced people in the camps located in Syria and we hope residents in the remaining camps in Turkey do the same and help our fellow Syrians who are living in difficult circumstances.” (Source: Syrian Coalition + The Syrian Revolution General Commission)

ACU Deliver $217,000 USD to Southern Damascus
Assistance Coordination Unit (ACU) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Sham Amanah Organization in the province of Damascus, whereby the organization will receive 180,000 USD to buy food rations for the needy households in southern Damascus. The memo stated that the amount will be delivered in three installments. The organization has so far received two payments worth $120,000 USD, while the third and final installment will be delivered in the few coming days. Moreover, the organization will receive $37,500 USD to buy winter clothing for the needy households in the besieged suburbs of Damascus. $50,000 USD were allocated to Yarmouk Camp, including $37,000 USD for food rations and $13,000 USD for winter clothing. (Source: Syrian Coalition)

Six Civilians Killed in Douma by air strikes
Assad’s warplanes launched air raids on the city of Douma northeast of Damascus and on Babbila, Yaldah, and Daryya, killing eight people and injuring dozens, mostly children and women. Violent clashes broke out between the Free Syrian Army and regime forces in Maliha, alongside artillery shelling. Regime forces a Grad missile and mortar rounds on Qaboun neighborhood in Damascus, with reports of material damage and civilian casualties. (Source: Syrian Coalition + Local Coordination Committees)

Non-Top Air Raids on Jassem in Dara’a Province
Assad’s warplanes launched air raids on the towns of Jassem and Dael in Dara’a province, killing two people and injuring dozens. Aerial shelling was also reported on the town of Inkhil, with reports of civilian casualties and material damage. Dozens of civilians were injured by regime artillery shelling on the town of Ibta. (Source: Syrian Coalition + Local Coordination Committees)

Aerial Shelling on Rural Hama
Dozens of civilians were injured by aerial shelling on western Taybet al Imam and Kafr Zeta in rural Hama. Meanwhile, regime forces bombarded the town of Beit al Ras east of Hama, with no reports of casualties. (Source: Syrian Coalition + Local Coordination Committees)

Dozens of Casualties By A Car Bomb In Darkoush Near Idlib
Two civilians were killed and dozens injured by a car bomb in the town of Darkoush near Idlib. Regime forces shelled the towns of Sarmin and Kourin with heavy artillery. Meanwhile, ISIS’s snipers killed two people in Saraqib and injured dozens of others. (Source: Syrian Coalition + Local Coordination Committees)

Dozens Of Casual kites By Regime Shelling On A Bakery In Aleppo
Two civilians were killed and dozens injured when regime forces shelled a bakery in the neighborhood of Firdous in Aleppo. More civilian casualties were reported in Hanano, Aleppo and the towns of Mareh, Haritan and Khan in rural Aleppo as a result of aerial shelling. Meanwhile, the the Mujahideen Army clashed with regime-backed ISIS in rural Aleppo, with reports of ISIS casualties. (Source: Syrian Coalition + Local Coordination Committees)

• Erdogan: Geneva II must put an end to Assad’s rule
• UN starts sending invitations to attend Geneva II, excluding Iran
• Concern grows over statements that divert the focus of Geneva II
• European Union hopes Geneva II held as scheduled
• Activists shut down the Red Cross Office in Jerusalem for failing to enter relief aid to Yarmouk Camp
• First batch of deadly chemicals exported from Syria