Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
July 01, 2021
Today, the forces of the murderous regime, under Russian supervision, has imposed a new blockade on Dara’a city, the birthplace of the revolution, and on the neighborhoods of Daraa al-Balad. Regime forces began to erect roadblocks at the entrances to Dara’a city and had blocked roads since June 24 as a punishment against the city that ignited the Syrian revolution ten years ago. The flames of the revolution did not die in the province which saw spectacular revolutionary movement in rejecting the regime’s recent elections farce.
The Russians and the murderous regime demand the young people of Dara’a to surrender their light weapons in blatant violation of the agreement that was signed three years ago. The Dara’a revolutionaries responded with the slogan “you can take our lives, but you cannot take our weapons” as they have already experienced the treachery of both Russia and the regime and their permanent breach of agreements.
The continuation of this unjust blockade risks worsening the humanitarian situation in the city and the loss of basic supplies, especially food and medicine for thousands of households living in Dara’a al-Balad.
Our speech today is addressed primarily to the great Syrian people, who started the revolution in order to lift the blockade on Dara’a. Ten years ago, Syrian cities and towns chanted “Oh Daraa, we are with you until death.”
Every free Syrian is today required to work to support Dara’a wherever they are and by all means, starting with demonstrations in the liberated areas and by the Syrian communities around the world.
We call on international organizations to take action for Dara’a and lift the blockade imposed on it. We also call on the international community to take serous action to prevent terrorist regimes such as the regimes of Assad, Putin and Khamenei from assaulting Dara’a and the Syrian people. Whoever wants to prevent these criminals from shedding the blood of the Syrian people should not use the Russian veto as a justification for inaction.
Our Syrian people, let us all remain one hand in the face of the regime and its allies. We will not leave Dara’a alone, the city that has never left us alone. The revolution continues until victory.