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Daesh backers to blame for Deir al-Zour massacre: Syria

Tuesday, 19 January 2016 7:08 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 19 January 2016 7:09 PM ]

A view of the Syrian Foreign Ministry building in the capital, Damascus

The Syrian government has strongly denounced the recent massacre by Daesh Takfiri terrorists in the eastern Deir al-Zour Province, saying the responsibility for the crime lies with the supporters of terrorist groups operating across the Arab state.

In two identical letters to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the head of the UN Security Council, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said that such killings are a continuation of a series of barbaric and methodical terrorist acts by armed groups, Syria's official news agency SANA reported on Tuesday.

The ministry said the militant groups are receiving funds from some regional countries as well as states outside the region, noting that these countries recruit terrorists to serve their interests.

The ministry also pointed out that such crimes would not have happened without the constant funding, arming, and logistic support provided by intelligence agencies of certain states especially Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey.

The Syrian government affirms its determination to continue defending the Syrian people and confronting terrorism, the ministry emphasized.

The letter also reiterates its call for the UN chief and the Security Council to condemn such terrorist acts.

It also urges the UN to assume its responsibilities regarding counter-terrorism by taking proper measures against certain states that continue to conspire against Syria.

The developments come as Daesh Takfiri terrorists recently kidnapped at least 400 civilians, including women and children, in an assault on al-Baghaliyeh neighborhood of of Deir al-Zour.

All of the abductees were Sunni Muslims, including families of pro-government fighters. They were transported to other areas under Daesh control.

Following its Saturday attack on Deir al-Zour, some 300 civilians were killed in the Daesh attack on the troubled city.

A file photo shows foreign-backed terrorists in Syria

Deir al-Zour has been effectively under siege by Daesh militants since early 2015, when the militants launched an offensive, capturing the city of Palmyra in Homs Province, then cutting off the remaining supply line to the city.

The Daesh siege has led to a severe food crisis in Deir al-Zour, where 70 percent of the residents are women and children.

The UN said Saturday that some 20 people died of starvation in the besieged Syrian city last year.

Some 400,000 people in Syria are under siege as a foreign-backed militancy is wreaking havoc across much of the country.

Over 260,000 people have reportedly been killed in Syria since foreign-backed militancy erupted in the country in March 2011.

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