ADVERTISEMENT

Miles from home, disillusioned Syrians say air strikes 'not enough'

The United States, Britain and France targeted military and research sites in Syria after the purported toxic attack on Eastern Ghouta's last rebel holdout of Douma a week earlier.

Medics and rescuers said the alleged chemical attack killed more than 40 people in Douma, weeks into a brutal regime air and ground assault to retake the wider region on the outskirts of Damascus from rebels.

"We're so happy to see that someone felt for us," said Nadia Sidawi, 46, one of thousands of displaced Douma residents now living in northern Syria after they were evacuated from the town.

But "the strikes are not enough," said the mother-of-eight, sitting on a mattress outside a white tent in a camp for the displaced more than 400 kilometres (250 miles) from her home in Douma.

ADVERTISEMENT

President Bashar al-Assad "killed us -- our children, our women. He destroyed our homes," said the housewife, whose hair was wrapped in a black scarf.

More than 1,700 civilians were killed in a Russia-backed regime assault on Eastern Ghouta since mid-February.

Since then, Assad's forces have retaken almost the entire rebel bastion through the military operation and Moscow-brokered evacuation deals.

An agreement for the Jaish al-Islam rebels who once controlled Douma has seen thousands of people -- rebels and civilians -- bussed up to a rebel-held area of the northern province of Aleppo.

'Nobody stopped them'

ADVERTISEMENT

Jaish al-Islam fighter Saleh Ibrahim, 26, said he was not optimistic that Saturday's air strikes would have any long-term impact on Syria's seven-year war.

"If Western countries had really wanted to get rid of Assad, they would have done it seven years ago," he said, at the camp for the displaced near the city of Al-Bab.

Syria's conflict started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests and has since spiralled into a complex war involving world powers.

Nada, a 40-year-old nurse from Douma who did not give her second name, said the US-led air strikes were more than warranted but came far too late.

Before the regime launched heavy air strikes on Eastern Ghouta on February 18, people in the former opposition bastion had endured five years of regime siege and food shortages.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Nobody stopped them from besieging us. Children died of malnutrition," the nurse said.

"Everybody held meetings and negotiations and nothing came of anything," said the mother-of-six, who said she has lost touch with some of her children since being evacuated from Ghouta.

Numerous rounds of UN-backed talks have failed to stem Syria's conflict, which has killed more than 350,000 people and displaced more than half the country's population.

Backed by Russia, regime forces have taken back large parts of Syria in the past few years. Fully retaking Eastern Ghouta would be a major achievement for Assad.

Abu Adnan al-Doumani, 42, said he was also disappointed in Western powers.

ADVERTISEMENT

"The United States, France and the United Kingdom always said they were friends of the Syrian people," said the unemployed father-of-six, who wore a long black beard.

"But they have proven to be out worst enemies as Assad is in fact their protege," he said.

"They let him do what he wants, kill who he wants."

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT