The government of Bashir al-Assad launched a pre-Ramadan attack on the country's citizens yesterday. It's brutal. From Al Jazeera English:
Syrian forces have killed nearly 142 people, including at least 100 when the army attacked the flashpoint protest city of Hama to crush dissent on the eve of Ramadan, political activists say.Brutal. Assad has no legitimacy. How many more of his citizens will he kill in cold blood?
A witness in Deir ez-Zor told Al Jazeera that government forces launched fresh attacks on the town early on Monday morning.
"Military forces stormed the city from the west side and 25 people are killed and more than 65 injured," the witness said.
"Artillery and anti-aircraft weapons are being used. The situation in the city is very bad, and medical and food supplies are low."
Last night, the President issued a statement on the latest round of violence:
I am appalled by the Syrian government’s use of violence and brutality against its own people. The reports out of Hama are horrifying and demonstrate the true character of the Syrian regime. Once again, President Assad has shown that he is completely incapable and unwilling to respond to the legitimate grievances of the Syrian people. His use of torture, corruption and terror puts him on the wrong side of history and his people. Through his own actions, Bashar al-Assad is ensuring that he and his regime will be left in the past, and that the courageous Syrian people who have demonstrated in the streets will determine its future. Syria will be a better place when a democratic transition goes forward. In the days ahead, the United States will continue to increase our pressure on the Syrian regime, and work with others around the world to isolate the Assad government and stand with the Syrian people.
