Syrian American Council Calls for No-Fly Zone and Open Borders Amidst Escalation with Turkey in Idlib 

33 Turkish soldiers killed by Russian-backed Assad regime in Idlib province as violence in northwest Syria intensifies

WASHINGTON D.C., February 28, 2020 – The Syrian American Council offers its sincere condolences to the Republic of Turkey and to the families of at least 33 Turkish soldiers killed yesterday in Idlib province. Following this major escalation by Russia and the Assad regime, the Syrian American Council demands the U.S. government and international community impose a no-fly zone over northern Syria, while also calling on Turkey to allow safe passage to Syrians who wish to escape the ever-increasing violence.

The world continues to talk of meaningless ceasefires while calling upon a hapless U.N., as the Syrian genocide continues. Words have consistently failed. Assad and his backers continue to murder Syrian civilians because the world’s apathy has given them authority to do so.

More than a million people have been displaced in northwest Syrian since December 1, many having already fled multiple times as a result of Russia and Assad’s ethnic cleansing and internationally sanctioned forced displacement agreements. Yesterday’s brutal attack on Turkish soldiers comes one day after the Russian-backed Assad regime targeted 10 schools in Idlib, killing more than 20 civilians, including nine children.

This genocide can be stopped if the world will act. Global leaders must prioritize human rights, compassion, and the world’s collective humanity over narrow self-interest, bigotry and hate. Failing to act ensures these atrocities will continue and can continue anywhere in the world.

Media Contact:

Michelle R. Taylor
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