UNSC censures bomb attacks on school in Homs

NEW YORK,(ST)_The United Nations Security Council has condemned in the strongest possible terms the twin terrorist blasts that targeted kids as they were leaving their schools in Ekremah quarter in central Homs city.

The official website of the UNSC said on October 3, 2014: “The members of the Security Council today added their voices to growing condemnation of twin bomb attacks on a school complex in Syria that killed dozens of children.”

Targeting of schools and schoolchildren is a serious violation of international humanitarian law, the 15-member Council said in a statement that expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims of this “heinous act.”

The two blasts occurred as children were leaving the Ekremah al-Makhzoumi primary school in Homs, killing more than 50 people and injuring dozens more.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui are among the senior UN official who have condemned the attack and its timing.

The Council reiterated its condemnation of all grave violations and abuses committed against civilians including children, and reaffirming that those who have committed or are otherwise responsible for such violations or abuses in Syria must be brought to justice.

The Council, whose presidency is this month held by Argentina, also reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism.

“Moderate opposition” carried out the blasts

On October 2,2014, Foreign and Expatriates Ministry called on the UNSC to condemn the Homs blasts that were carried out by the so-called the ‘armed moderate opposition’. http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/14680-foreign-ministry-calls-on-un-to-denounce-moderate-opposition-crime-against-schoolchildren-in-homs

Over the past two months, some 1887 terrorist attacks killed 296 civilians and wounded more than 1487 others, including children and women, in Syria, according to the ministry.

Yesterday, a mortar round-fired by terrorists- hit a children playground in Idlib city, killing 6 civilians, including 4 kids. 

the US, France, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar support terrorist groups operating in Syria, world media reports say.

Basma Qaddour