The General Assembly of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the latest developments in Syria, including the ongoing military operations in Aleppo aimed at protecting civilians and deterring aggression.
The SOC’s president, Hadi al-Bahra, delivered a briefing outlining the reasons behind the escalation and the initiation of a military operation to counter the increasing attacks by the Assad regime and Iranian-backed militias against civilians. He noted that these aggressions, which have intensified over the past months, culminated in the recent targeting of a school in the town of Ariha, resulting in civilian casualties, including children.
Al-Bahra emphasized that the primary goals of the current military campaign by the armed opposition groups are to halt these assaults, expel Iranian sectarian militias, protect civilians, ensure the safe and dignified return of displaced individuals to their homes, and establish security and stability in their areas. He stressed the importance of achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and advancing the political process. Al-Bahra also highlighted the swift collapse of the Assad regime and Iranian militias, which has boosted the morale of revolutionary groups. These groups have advanced to Aleppo since Thursday afternoon, liberating areas used by the regime to shell civilian communities.
Al-Bahra reiterated the SOC’s rejection of all plans for partition and separation, affirming its commitment to a united, independent Syrian state with full sovereignty over its territory. He called for a democratic Syria that upholds the rule of law and guarantees the rights of all its people.
Al-Bahra further urged the international community to push forward the political process in Syria, emphasizing the need to implement relevant international resolutions, particularly the Geneva Communiqué of 2012 and UN Security Council Resolutions 2118 and 2254, to restore security and stability and achieve a sustainable solution.
He also underscored the importance of working with UN agencies and international organizations to improve humanitarian conditions and address the growing needs of Syrians, especially with the onset of winter.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
