Local and international media outlets have published horrible images showing the situation in and around the town of al-Baghouz in eastern rural Deir Ezzor where battles are still raging between the PYD militia and the remnants of ISIS. The Syrian Coalition expressed deep concern about the fate of civilians who are still trapped in the region.
The photos showed charred bodies of people and bodies stacked on top of one other in al-Baghuoz. Anadolu news agency said that the bodies are of dead ISIS militants as well as civilians trapped in a camp near the town. The agency said that phosphorus-filled bombs, an internationally prohibited weapon, were likely used by the international anti-ISIS coalition forces.
In a press release issued on Friday, the Syrian Coalition stressed the need to provide the necessary protection for civilians, especially children and women, and to meet their medical and relief needs.
“The Syrian Coalition once again warns of making civilians pay the price of hastiness and recklessness amounting to the showing of disregard for the lives of innocent civilians.”
The Syrian Coalition added: “We have already stressed that all justifications would not exempt the international anti-ISIS coalition from the responsibility for any possible civilian casualties, abuse or failure to provide them with protection.”
On Wednesday, the Syrian Network for Human Rights said that attacks by the international anti-ISIS coalition has killed more than 3,000 civilians, including more than 900 children since its intervention in the country.
The Syrian Coalition condemned the targeting of civilians causing heavy civilian casualties. It added: “Reports indicated that women and children are at greatest risk of the ongoing clashes and military operations amid complete lack of food and medical supplies.” (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department)
