Press Statement
Syrian Coalition
Istanbul, Turkey
October 29, 2013
The Assad Regime’s continued siege on Moadamiya, and the international community’s failure to create humanitarian corridors that would allow the flow of aid into the area, has forced civilians in Moadamiya into extremely difficult circumstances. The most vulnerable face certain death if they remain in the besieged area without access to food, water or the medication required to stay alive. Therefore, 2000 Moadamiya civilians, mostly women and children, will be evacuated from the besieged area on the morning of Tuesday, October 29. They will be evacuated under the supervision of The Red Cross and the Red Crescent, with the help of Sister Agnes Mariam.
The Syrian Coalition holds the Assad Regime, and all sides involved in the evacuation, responsible for the safety of these civilians during and after the evacuation. Evacuated civilians must not face interrogation and detention, as other Moadamiya civilians did during a previous evacuation.
During a recent failed evacuation attempt, Assad Forces arrived at the location and shot at the civilians before they could evacuate safely. Three died and dozens were injured. Assad Forces also took a number of women and children hostage, later using them as human shields to launch an offensive on the area. The Syrian Coalition warns of the possibility that Assad forces may once again attempt to hurt evacuated civilians and take advantage of their critical situation.
We ask that the United Nations and human rights organizations hold the Assad regime accountable for the safety of evacuated civilians. Furthermore, they must also work to bring an end to the siege that has caused endless suffering for the 9,000 civilians in Moadamiya.
We ask for Mercy for our martyrs, health for our wounded, and freedom for our detainees.
Long live Syria and its people, free and with honor.
