CDS Demands U.S. Action After Assad Chemical Attack In Idlib

CDS DEMANDS U.S. ACTION AFTER ASSAD CHEMICAL ATTACK IN IDLIB
 

Washington, DC – The Coalition for a Democratic Syria, representing the Syrian-American community, demands direct U.S. action after last night’s chlorine bomb attack in Sarmeen, Idlib. The Assad regime dropped barrel bombs loaded with weaponized chlorine gas, suffocating and killing children. The events were documented by Syrian Civil Defense (known as the “White Helmets”). The horrific attack comes just ten days after the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2209 condemning the use of weaponized chlorine in Syria.

“This attack signifies the Assad regime’s direct defiance against the international community and the UN Security Council,” said CDS Policy Advisor Tyler Thompson. “The United States must take action to eliminate Assad’s ability to attack civilians.”

The Assad regime has obstructed the implementation of every UN Security Council resolution since the beginning of the conflict. Resolution 2209 empowers the Security Council to impose Chapter VII measures, which include the use of force, in the event of continued chemical weapons attacks.

“How many more suffocated children do we have to watch gasp for their last breaths? How many more red lines must Assad cross before the United States stops his barrel bombs?” said CDS Government Relations Chair Muna Jondy. ”An utter lack of American leadership in Syria has led to repeated chemical weapons attacks and nothing but rhetoric from U.S. officials in response.”

Assad has repeatedly used weaponized chlorine against civilians since the Russia-backed 2013 chemical weapons deal. Chlorine is not included as a banned weapon in the Chemical Weapons Convention because of its industrial and commercial uses. Weaponized chlorine destroys its victims’ respiratory organs, bringing on choking fits, loss of vision, and death–particularly among children and the elderly.

ENDS

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