Press Release Concerning the Aerial Bombardment on the Western Countryside of Deir Ezzor

The towns and villages that are located in the south of Euphrates River in the western countryside of Deir Ezzor have been experiencing a campaign of aerial bombardment for more than two weeks by Syrian government and Russian forces as those forces are attempting towards these areas.

This campaign resulted in destruction of not less than 30% of the houses and shops in those towns and villages along with the death of 48 civilians including 18 women and 14 children. Moreover, it caused displacement for thousands of civilians towards the areas that are located in the north of Euphrates River . Additionally, it forced hundreds of men to flee outside of the province. Likewise, this campaign resulted in severe shortage in food and medical supplies.

Fighting “Islamic State” group and the extremist groups can not justify, in whatever form, killing civilians and shelling populated areas.

Therefore, Justice for Life organization calls the Syrian government forces and Russian forces to fully respect all commitments in accordance with the international humanitarian law and international human rights law, especially with respect to proportionality, precautions to be taken, and avoidance of targeting civilians and civilian properties.