(WASHINGTON DC 12/14/2016) – The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), a coalition of several leading national and local Muslim organizations and institutions, denounces the joint Syrian, Russian and Iranian attack on the city of Aleppo and the imminent danger to the lives of the 150,000 civilians that are confined to two districts.
Reports of mass detentions, mass executions, and forced conscription’s have been coming out of Aleppo, along with scores of “farewell messages” from residents and aid workers. In a statement, USCMO Secretary General Oussama Jammal said: “The situation in Aleppo is perhaps one of the worst human crises the world has ever seen. We cannot sit idly by and watch the people of Aleppo wiped out by forces targeting doctors and other aid workers, mothers, the elderly, children and ordinary civilians.”
USCMO calls for immediate actions to include:
1. President Obama to mobilize concerted diplomatic pressure that will prevent large-scale slaughter and allow for all Aleppo residents to be protected and allowed safe evacuation if desired.
2. Congress to urgently issue statements demanding the safety of Aleppo residents and promise new sanctions if the 150,000 remaining residents are not protected.
3. The American people to contact their elected officials and the White House to demand safe passage for the people of Aleppo, and to dedicate vigils and prayers in their houses of worship.
USCMO believes that no people should suffer or be denied the basic right to freedom and democracy.
