Media Statement
07 September 2016
South Africa condemns mass killings in Syria
The South African Government has learnt with dismay of the brutal mass murder of forty Syrian civilians in separate bombings in Tartous, Homs, Damascus countryside, and Hasaka, by the ISIS terror group on Monday, 05 September 2016.
Reports indicate that a suicidal terrorist exploded a car bomb at the entrance of Tartous city, then another detonated his explosive belt amid those that had rushed to help the wounded, claiming the lives of 30 innocent Syrians. Another terrorist detonated his car bomb at the entrance of Homs city, killing four people. Two terrorists detonated their explosive belts in the Damascus countryside, killing four civilians. In Hasaka, another terrorist exploded his motorbike claiming five lives in the process.
The Government and the people of South Africa condemn these cowardly, savage attacks in the strongest possible terms. We are convinced that there can never be any justification for such callous acts in pursuit of any political objective.
The South African Government views the unfolding events in Syria in a very serious light and calls on all Syrians to embrace dialogue, as spearheaded by Dr Steffan De Mistura, the UN Special Representative, and other multilateral and bilateral efforts underway aimed at bringing peace in Syria through dialogue.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
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