The Syrian American Council (SAC), America's largest Syrian-American community organization, today renews its demand for an immediate no-fly zone following the massacre of over 80 Syrian civilians during an Assad regime air strike on the Damascus suburb of Douma.  Thirty-five children were among the dead, and an additional 325 people were injured. A marketplace was deliberately targeted during rush hour so as to maximize civilian casualties. Air strikes have continued throughout the night.

As the second anniversary of Assad's 2013 sarin gas attacks approaches, last night's attacks in Douma highlight that American red lines have no true meaning. As recently as Friday, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power condemned regime air attacks on civilians. Secretary of State John Kerry has repeatedly held news conferences stating that Assad musThe Syrian American Council (SAC), America's largest Syrian-American community organization, today renews its demand for an immediate no-fly zone following the massacre of over 80 Syrian civilians during an Assad regime air strike on the Damascus suburb of Douma.  Thirty-five children were among the dead, and an additional 325 people were injured. A marketplace was deliberately targeted during rush hour so as to maximize civilian casualties. Air strikes have continued throughout the night. Yet Assad remains in power and continues to massacre civilians with air strikes.

We are deeply concerned that our government's credibility with the world now stands as a reporter of the news as opposed to a world power. For this reason, the Syrian American council calls for an immediate no-fly zone that will prevent further such attacks.