Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
June 25, 2023
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) strongly condemns the heinous attack carried out by the Russian air force on Jisr al-Shughour on Sunday, which resulted in a devastating loss of civilian lives. The SOC considers this act as a flagrant war crime, as Russian jets targeted a vegetables market, leaving at least nine innocent civilians dead and dozens more injured. Furthermore, the Assad regime’s artillery shelling has also intensified, indiscriminately striking numerous areas in Idlib and its countryside, reflecting a new reprehensible escalation against innocent civilians.
In light of this barbaric attack, the SOC urgently calls upon the Syrian National Army to respond firmly and decisively. It is imperative to target the sources of fire and the positions of these criminal forces to deter them from perpetrating such brutal crimes. We firmly believe that an effective response is necessary to safeguard the lives and well-being of Syrian civilians.
The SOC also appeals for immediate international action to address this horrific attack and strongly denounces the perpetrators. We urge the international community to take collective action aimed at bringing justice to the victims and holding accountable those responsible for their suffering. The Assad regime, Russia, and Iranian militias have a long history of crimes against the Syrian people spanning over 12 years. It is high time for the international community to rise against their impunity.
We find it utterly unacceptable that the international community continues to show inaction in holding the responsible parties accountable and fails to achieve a political transition in Syria as mandated by UN Resolution 2254. The Assad regime perceives this lack of accountability as a green light, emboldening it and its allies to commit further massacres and crimes. We must not allow this vicious cycle of violence to persist any longer.
