The Syrian people began their peaceful protests in the streets in March 2011. For over 10 months, they have been calling for their freedoms and rights. UN estimates suggest that nearly 7,000 have been
Across the nation, at least 416 civilians were killed, marking the bloodiest day of the Syrian Revolution since it began in March 2011.
Washington, DC (PRWEB) February 04, 2012
United for a Free Syria (UFS), a Syrian American organization, calls upon the international community to condemn and sanction the brutal regime of Bashar Al-Assad, particularly in the event of the latest massacre that took place in the city of Homs on Friday. Reports indicate that Homs, recognized as the flashpoint of the 11-month Syrian uprising, is still undergoing violent attacks.
Read: Damascus Denies Responsibility for Deaths of More than 400 Civilians ahead of U.N. Vote
While armed forces targeted regions across Syria, according to Al Arabiya News, the death toll in Homs alone is over 370 killed and 1,300 wounded. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 138 of these fatalities were in the Khalidiya district of Homs. On Friday, the city was heavily bombarded with artillery and mortars, killing women and children amongst the hundreds of civilians. Syrian forces continue to fire munitions indiscriminately at homes, schools, and hospitals; in addition to the dozens of homes that have been “completely destroyed with families inside,” the Khalidiya hospital was also demolished (Alarabiya).
Read: Syria Live Blog
Currently, the military, secret police, and government-funded mercenaries are conducting an assault against the civilians of Homs, Hama, Zabadani, Idlib, and other areas. Across the nation, at least 416 civilians were killed, marking the bloodiest day of the Syrian Revolution since it began in March 2011 (Al Arabiya).
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has yet to pass a resolution that condemns the Assad regime’s violence, which has amounted to over 7,100 deaths, including 461 children, according to the Local Coordination Committees (CNN). Members of the U.N. Security Council are currently negotiating a resolution that originally called for Assad to step down and supported an Arab League plan for a democratic transition in Syria. The Russian government, which continues to arm the Syrian military, has threatened to veto the resolution if it is not significantly revised.
Read more: Fury Over Homs Massacre as UN Security Council Gathers for Syria Vote
UFS Chairman, Dr. Yahya Basha, stated, “The international community must act to stop the systemic murder, maiming, and torture of innocent civilians, who are simply asking for the right to live in a free and democratic Syria. We call upon the U.N Security Council to fulfill its mission and duty, as outlined by the charter of the United Nations, to issue a resolution that supports the Arab League Initiative without delay or modification. Russia’s support for Assad makes the country complicit in and responsible for the prolonged mass murder of Syrian civilians.
“We call for a secure, no-fly zone to be established in areas of Syria to facilitate the delivery of necessary food as well as medical and material relief to help alleviate the growing humanitarian crisis. We ask the international community to stand with the people of Syria against the forces of tyranny and oppression. The world’s silence and inaction has proven deadly, only leading to more innocent blood to be shed.”
UFS is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting democracy, freedom and dignity for the Syrian people. UFS works to ensure that Syria becomes a thriving democracy and a model for its neighbors in the region. Media inquiries are welcome.
# # #