Syria
Live coverage of the conflict in Syria, including the international response to the Aug. 21 2013 chemical attack. For our current live blog on Syria, go to: http://live.reuters.com/Event/The_battle_for_Syria
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This is a 2013 blog on Syria - for the latest updates from Reuters please go to our current live blog 'The battle for Syria'.
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Syrian activists inspect the bodies of people they say were killed by nerve gas in the Ghouta region, in the Duma neighbourhood of Damascus August 21, 2013. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh
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Syrian activists inspect the bodies of people they say were killed by nerve gas in the Ghouta region, in the Duma neighbourhood of Damascus August 21, 2013. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh
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Syrian activists inspect the bodies of people they say were killed by nerve gas in the Ghouta region, in the Duma neighbourhood of Damascus August 21, 2013. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh
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A man holds the body of a dead child among bodies of people activists say were killed by nerve gas in the Ghouta region, in the Duma neighbourhood of Damascus August 21, 2013. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh
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A man sits in a hospital near two children who activists say were affected by nerve gas in the Ghouta region, in the Duma neighbourhood of Damascus August 21, 2013. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh
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People, affected by what activists say is nerve gas, are treated at a hospital in the Duma neighbourhood of Damascus August 21, 2013. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh
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A survivor from what activists say is a gas attack rests inside a mosque in the Duma neighbourhood of Damascus August 21, 2013. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh
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(WARNING: SOME GRAPHIC CONTENT) Aug. 21 - Amateur videos posted to a social media website claim to show the aftermath of an alleged chemical attack on Syria's Damascus, State TV denies the attack. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).
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Survivors from what activists say is a gas attack rest inside a mosque in the Duma neighbourhood of Damascus August 21, 2013. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh
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Saudi Arabia calls for an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting to discuss reported gas attack in Syria.
RIYADH - Saudi Arabia has called for an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting to discuss reports of a chemical attack that opposition groups say killed hundreds of people in Syria, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said.
"It is time for the Security Council to shoulder its responsibility and overcome differences between its members and restore the confidence of the international community by convening immediately to issue a clear and deterrent resolution that will put an end to this human crisis," Prince Saud said in a statement.
(Reporting by Angus McDowall, writing by Sami Aboudi; Editing by Janet Lawrence) -
ISTANBUL - A leading Syrian opposition figure says 1,300 people had been killed in attacks by President Bashar al-Assad's forces around Damascus in which he said chemical weapons had been used.
"Today's crimes are...not the first time the regime has used chemical weapons," George Sabra told a news conference in Istanbul. "But they constitute a significant turning point in the regime's operations...This time it was for annihilation rather than terror."
Syria denied activist reports on Wednesday that the army had used chemical weapons, describing the assertions as completely untrue. Video footage from districts east of the capital showed people choking, some of them foaming at the mouth, and many bodies with no signs of injuries. -
The European Union calls for "immediate and thorough" investigation of alleged chemical attack in Syria, an EU foreign policy spokesman says.
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A youth who survived from what activists say is a gas attack cries as he takes shelter inside a mosque in the Duma neighbourhood of Damascus August 21, 2013. REUTERS/Mohamed Abdullah
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Survivors from what activists say is a gas attack are seen along a street in the Duma neighbourhood of Damascus August 21, 2013. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh
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Last year, U.S. President Barack Obama said the use of chemical weapons in Syria would constitute a "red line." If today's reports are confirmed - which in the past Washington has suggested would require clear-cut evidence - the question remains what action the U.S. will take, if any.
Reports of an alleged chemical attack in April did not result in action against the Syrian government, however in June Obama decided to arm the opposition with automatic weapons, light mortars, and rocket-propelled grenades.
Confirming reports of chemical weapons use is difficult, in part due to the Syrian opposition's interest in receiving military support from Washington. Memories of faulty information that led the U.S. to war in Iraq have contributed to making Washington leery of being sucked into Syria's civil war. However, the U.S. may face criticism if Obama's ultimatum is not enforced. -
EU Wants Immediate Probe Of Alleged Syria Chemical Attack
BRUSSELS - The European Union called for a "thorough and immediate" investigation of an alleged chemical attack in Syria after Syrian rebels said hundreds of people were killed on Wednesday in a gas attack and shelling by President Bashar al-Assad's forces.
"We have seen with grave concern the reports of the possible use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime. Such accusations should be immediately and thoroughly investigated," a spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said.
"The EU reiterates that any use of chemical weapons, by any side in Syria, would be totally unacceptable."
(Reporting by Justyna Pawlak; Editing by John O'donnell) -
Reuters Picture: a man, affected by what activists say is nerve gas, breathes through an oxygen mask in the Damascus suburbs of Jesreen on August 21, 2013. REUTERS/Ammar Dar
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The Syrian National Coalition posted a statement to its English-language Facebook account on Wednesday.
Here is an excerpt:
"The Syrian Coalition calls upon the Security Council of the United Nations to hold an emergency session on the latest Assad crimes against the Syrian people. We urge the Security Council to condemn Assad's crimes and issue a resolution under Chapter VII of the UN Charter pertaining to maintaining international peace and security to which Assad has undoubtedly become the biggest threat.
"The Syrian Coalition emphasizes that the Security Council's failure to assume its responsibilities towards the unfolding situation in Syria would raise questions about its raison d'être. If the Security Council does not act firmly, it will lose all legitimacy.
"Assad forces have committed clear massacres against hundreds of unarmed and defenseless civilians, shelling the eastern and western Ghouta areas with chemical agents. The Syrian Coalition calls upon the Friends of Syria to act immediately and not wait for the Russian veto to once again cover up Assad’s crimes. Countries who claim to be friends of Syria must come together to put an end to the Syrian tragedy by immediately restraining Assad’s crimes.
"The Syrian Coalition calls on the United Nation’s chemical weapons investigation team to head immediately towards the locations in Ghouta where Assad forces have used chemical weapons. Reports by activists in Ghouta have documented the death of around 1100 people due to chemical weapons attacks. Hundreds more are suffering from symptoms of exposure to chemical agents. Many of the victims are women and children. The UN team must visit these places, which are only a few kilometers away from where the team is based in the capital Damascus. We ask that the UN team visit Ghouta within the next few hours, listen to people’s testimonies, and gather necessary evidence."
Continue reading the statement on Facebook: www.facebook.com -
READER COMMENT: Any death is a tragedy and chemical weapons are just as indiscriminant as a mortar shell. I am heartened by the idea that perhaps this barbaric act will finally draw action from the international community but I cannot help but wonder what message the Syrian people would take from that. It is though we are telling the victims “it is not your death, not the deaths of thousands, but rather the _manner_ of your death, which interests us and demands justice.” -
Video: After an alleged chemical weapons attack on Ein Tarma, Zamalka, and Jobar overnight, the Damascus neighbourhood of Jobar was reportedly hit by rocket fire on August 21.
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Video: statement from Jobar's Medical Point regarding events that took place at the early hours of dawn on August 21.
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The Associated Press writes on the conflicting accounts on Wednesday about Syria, including international diplomatic responses: "there were conflicting reports, however, as to what exactly transpired. Syria's Information Minister called the activists' claim a 'disillusioned and fabricated one whose objective is to deviate and mislead' the U.N. mission."
READ: Syrian Activists Claim Deadly Attack -
Statement from the Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui: “The allegations of use of chemical weapons against Syrian civilians, which Amnesty International has not been able to verify independently, underscore the urgent need for the United Nations team currently in Syria to have a full mandate and unimpeded access to all locations to investigate these and any other incidents of alleged use of chemical weapons. What would be the point of having a UN team of experts in the country if they are not allowed to access the sites of the alleged attacks, collect samples and investigate?”
READ: Syria: UN team must get full access to investigate ‘chemical weapons’ claim -
RESOURCE: CNN interactive on the relationship between the Syrian crisis and neighboring countries
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White House Statement by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest on Allegations of Chemical Weapons Use in Syria
"The United States is deeply concerned by reports that hundreds of Syrian civilians have been killed in an attack by Syrian government forces, including by the use of chemical weapons, near Damascus earlier today. We are working urgently to gather additional information.
"The United States strongly condemns any and all use of chemical weapons. Those responsible for the use of chemical weapons must be held accountable. Today, we are formally requesting that the United Nations urgently investigate this new allegation. The UN investigative team, which is currently in Syria, is prepared to do so, and that is consistent with its purpose and mandate. For the UN’s efforts to be credible, they must have immediate access to witnesses and affected individuals, and have the ability to examine and collect physical evidence without any interference or manipulation from the Syrian government. If the Syrian government has nothing to hide and is truly committed to an impartial and credible investigation of chemical weapons use in Syria, it will facilitate the UN team’s immediate and unfettered access to this site. We have also called for urgent consultations in the UN Security Council to discuss these allegations and to call for the Syrian government to provide immediate access to the UN investigative team. The United States urges all Syrian parties including the government and opposition, to provide immediate access to any and all sites of importance to the investigation and to ensure security for the UN investigative team."
White House website: www.whitehouse.gov -
Footage uploaded to YouTube by an anti-Assad activist group based in the eastern Ghouta district of Irbin shows a girl who survived a reported chemical attack. Warning: Video contains disturbing content.
Watch the video here."I am alive, I am alive", says the girl who survived the chemical weapon massacre in #Syria Today http://t.co/3ogTfvUiTs #CWMassacre #Assad
— Anas Maarawi (@anasonline) August 21, 2013 -
Official statement, United Nations' spokesperson for the Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria
"The Secretary-General is shocked to hear the reports of the alleged use today of chemical weapons in the suburbs of Damascus.
"Professor Åke Sellström and his team are currently in the Syrian Arab Republic to investigate the alleged use of chemical weapons reported by the Government of Syria at Khan al-Assal as well as two other allegations of the use of chemical weapons reported by Member States. According to the agreement reached in Damascus in July, the two parties are discussing, in parallel, other allegations and their related sites.
"The United Nations mission to investigate allegations of chemical weapons use in Syria is following the current situation in Syria carefully, and remains fully engaged in the investigation process that is mandated by the Secretary General. Professor Sellström is in discussions with the Syrian Government on all issues pertaining to the alleged use of chemical weapons, including this most recent reported incident.
"The Secretary-General is aware that a number of Member States, the Arab League and the European Union have expressed grave concern about the most recent reports of the possible use of chemical weapons in Syria. The Secretary-General reaffirms his determination to ensure a thorough investigation of the reported alleged incidents that are brought to his attention by Member States.
"The Secretary-General reiterates that any use of chemical weapons by any side under any circumstances would violate international humanitarian law." -
Map of Damascus locating Ghouta where Syrian activists claim at least 213 people were killed in a nerve gas attack. REUTERS Graphics
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Summary: White House statements on Syria on Wednesday, August 21
The White House says it has no independent verification about the use of chemical weapons in Syria, and that the U.S. plans to consult the U.N. Security Council about the allegations.
Earlier on Wednesday, the White House has expressed alarm about reports that Syrian government forces used chemical weapons in an attack on civilians and called for a United Nations investigation into the incident. Read the full White House statement here: live.reuters.com -
Reuters Picture: Children who survived what activists and government opposition groups allege is a gas attack are seen here in the Duma neighborhood of Damascus, Syria on August 21, 2013. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh
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Video: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is “shocked” by the alleged use of chemical weapons in the Damascus suburbs on Wednesday, August 21, according to a spokesperson during the daily press briefing.
Wednesday’s reports of chemical weapons killing hundreds in the Ghouta region come amid a UN investigation into chemical warfare in the Syrian conflict. This video shows the noon briefing by Eduardo del Buey, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Video available courtesy of UN Web TV. -
State Dept: Reports say UN team has been in touch with Syria over the attack, team must have access to witnesses, samples, for investigationby HannahAllam via twitter edited by Margarita Noriega (Reuters) 8/21/2013 5:59:43 PM -
State Dept: I'm not talking about red lines, not having debate about red lines, not setting red lines, let's not talk about red.by HannahAllam via twitter edited by Margarita Noriega (Reuters) 8/21/2013 6:04:22 PM
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Reader note: in about 52 minutes from now, at the top of the hour, the U.N. Security Council will have an emergency meeting to discuss the recent alleged reports of chemical weapons use in Syria.
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(WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT) Amateur video purportedly captures the aftermath of a chemical attack on Damascus suburbs. The international community and the Syrian opposition call for a U.N. investigation. Lindsey Parietti reports.
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(WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT) Aug. 21 - Syria has denied opposition claims that chemical attacks on several Damascus suburbs killed 1,300 people including children. Mana Rabiee reports.
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Disagreement among international powers that has stymied a political solution for Syria is likely to continue to feature in the emergency U.N. Security Council meeting planned for 19:00 GMT today. From the latest Reuters report:
[T]he divisions among major powers that have crippled international efforts to quell two and a half years of civil war were still evident, with Russia hastening to back up denials from the administration of President Bashar al-Assad by saying it looked like a rebel "provocation" to discredit him [...] The Security Council, where Russia has vetoed previous Western efforts to impose U.N. penalties on Assad, is not expected to take decisive action, with the big powers still at odds and calling for clarity over the incident.
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REUTERS: France and Britain see "no reason" why U.N. investigators should not go immediately to site of reported gas attack in Syria. Britain's Foreign Secretary William Hague said he hopes reports of a chemical attack will "wake up" supporters of the Assad regime to its "barbaric nature."
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An Israeli doctor stands next to the bed of a wounded Syrian woman at Ziv Medical Center in the northern town of Safed, August 21, 2013. Some 140 Syrians who have been wounded in fighting in neighboring Syria have been treated in Israeli hospitals since an uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011, Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Lerner said on Wednesday. REUTERS/Baz Ratner
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Turkish foreign min says clear that chemical weapons used in Syria
Turkey's foreign minister said on Wednesday it was clear from television footage that chemical weapons had been used in an attack near the Syrian capital Damascus and telephoned U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon to urge an immediate investigation.
Syria's opposition accused government forces of gassing hundreds of people near Damascus by firing rockets that released deadly fumes over rebel-held suburbs, killing men, women and children as they slept. The Syrian government dismissed the allegation.
Read on. -
READER COMMENT: After having to experience this horrific gas attack, the Syrian civilians NEED the international community to intervene. This event represents what shows to be a disturbingly significant escalation of the inhumanity being inflicted upon the people of Syria. -
Lebanese and Syrian civilians take part in a candlelight vigil in solidarity with Syrian civilians killed by an alleged gas attack in the suburbs of Damascus, in front of the offices of the U.N. headquarters in Beirut, August 21, 2013. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
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Russia says has no plans to use military force in Syria, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday.
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Indian daily newspaper The Hindu calls for an independent investigation of the alleged chemical weapons attack before the U.S. takes military action:
The alleged use of WMDs in Syria must not be made a pretext for illegal intervention. There is no basis in international law for drawing “red lines” — as U.S. President Barack Obama has done — the crossing of which would permit the unilateral use of force without U.N. Security Council authorisation.
Read the full editorial here. -
United Nations (U.N.) vehicles transport a team of U.N. chemical weapons experts to the scene of a reported poison gas attack outside the Syrian capital last week, in Damascus, August 26, 2013. The experts, dressed in blue U.N. body armor, left in a six-car convoy, according to a Reuters witness, and were accompanied by security forces and an ambulance. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri
Kerry defends diplomacy as Russian-backed forces pound Aleppo
CARTAGENA, Colombia/BEIRUT U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry defended his efforts to negotiate with Moscow over the war in Syria on Monday, despite the collapse of a ceasefire that has led to a massive Russian-backed assault on the besieged rebel-held sector of Aleppo.