By Zach Waksman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
DEIR EL-ZOUR, Syria –The Syrian government launched new attacks against civilians today, continuing a siege on the eastern city of Deir el-Zour that had been ongoing for over a week. At least 52 people have been killed so far. The attacks come just days after the United Nations condemned the Middle Eastern country’s shocking strikes against protesters in Hama.
The Hama campaign, which killed an estimated 76 people last Sunday, drew international scorn. Since then, anti-government protests have begun in coincidence with the beginning of Ramadan, a holy month on the Muslim calendar. During this time, in an effort to prevent such sentiment from growing into a revolution, the government has placed Hama and Deir el-Zour under siege. Today’s attack is an escalation of the siege; power and phone lines have reportedly been cut.
According to one activist in Deir el Zour who spoke anonymously to the Washington Post, “Humanitarian conditions in the city are very bad because it has been under siege for nine days. There is lack of medicine, baby formula, food and gasoline. The city is totally paralyzed.”
This action took place despite widespread disapproval from multiple sources. Wednesday, the United Nations Security Council issued a unanimous presidential statement that “condemned the widespread violations of human rights and the use of force against civilians by the Syrian authorities.” Today, the Arab League joined the many who spoke out against the actions taken by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, calling for a national dialogue.
Human Rights Watch, an independent organization that observed the situation, considered the resolution a sign of isolation by the Syrian government. “The Security Council’s unanimous statement shows that Syria can no longer count on even its close allies to support its crackdown on peaceful protesters,” said Peggy Hicks, the organization’s global advocacy director. “President Bashar Assad needs to listen to the council’s strong message, and end the attacks by his security forces in Hama and across the country.”
Yesterday, Assad spoke to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon by telephone. Ban was concerned about the mounting violence and civilian casualties. During the talk, he called for an immediate end to the attacks.
In response to the condemnation, Assad defended the sieges by saying that the country was making progress and that the government had an obligation to deal with dissenters. “Syria is on the path to reforms,” he said, quoted by state news agency SANA. “To deal with outlaws who cut off roads, seal towns and terrorise residents is a duty of the state which must defend security and protect the lives of civilians.” As an example of such “outlaws,” SANA reported that earlier this morning, an armed terrorist group ambushed and fired on a military convoy. An officer and two soldiers were “martyred” as a result.
The next message for Assad will be delivered Tuesday, when Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu will meet with Syrian officials to discuss his present concerns.
For more information, please see:
Al Jazeera — Syrian army launches fresh assaults — 7 August 2011
SANA — Officer, Two Soldiers Martyred in Ambush Set by Armed Terrorist Group East of al-Rastan — 7 August 2011
Washington Post — Syrian troops intensify crackdown on eastern city, activists say at least 52 killed — 7 August 2011
CNN — Ban calls for an end to use of force on Syrian civilians — 6 August 2011
Human Rights Watch — UN: Syria Should Heed Council’s Call to End Attacks — 4 August 2011
Impunity Watch — Syrian death toll sparks condemnation and foretells future violence — 2 August 2011
