Syrian Regime Has Carried Out At Least Nine Chemical Attacks In 2017

PicturePhoto Credit: SNHR
The Syrian Regime has committed no less than nine chemical attacks in Syria since the start of 2017, the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) reports, killing at least 77 people including 25 children and 16 women. The Syrian Regime has also breached Security Council Resolution 2118 with at least 167 chemical attacks since September 2013 when the resolution was adopted.

According to the SNHR, chemical attacks have been reported in Ilbid, Hama and Damascus, with the most deadly attack taking place on April 4th 2017 in Ildlib killing an estimated 70 people and injuring hundreds more. 

After the attack, numerous video's surfaced online of victims showing symptoms and signs of suffocation and heavy breathing. The most notable images were those of small children not able to breath and being hosed off with water. 

The SNHR reports that the chemical attacks are directly targeting area's in which rebels are advancing and trying to seize control. They also report that most attacks were paired with bombardment of missiles and barrel bombs. 

In September 2013, the Security Council Resolution 2118 was adopted providing the framework for how chemical weapons were to be eliminated. Since that time, the Syrian Regime has committed 167 chemical attacks. In March 2015, the Security Council Resolution 2209 was adopted, condemning the use of any chemical weapons.

Since the adoption of  Security Council Resolution 2118, the SNHR reports that 155 civilians including 65 children and 29 women have been killed by chemical attacks committed by the Syrian Regime. At least 2,407 individuals have been injured by these attacks as well.

The SNHR reports that the international community will most likely "fail again to stop the Syrian Regime" and the USA will "fail to commit to its famous phrase The Red Line."

I Am Syria condemns the action of the Syrian Regime, and calls on the Security Council to investigate all human rights violations the Syrian Regime has committed against civilians with their continued use of chemical weapons.
2016-10-01