Muslim scholars group slams chemical attack in Syria

By Hussein Mahmoud Ragab Elkabany and Afra Aksoy

ISTANBUL (AA) - The International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) on Monday condemned the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

Assad regime forces struck targets in the Damascus suburb’s Douma district on Saturday midnight using a poisonous gas, which left at least 78 civilians dead, according to the White Helmets, a local civil defense agency.

According to a statement issued by the IUMS, the organization condemned the "terrible crimes" asking for international punishment of the "cruel regime".

The statement said that the Assad regime is "indifferent in terms of bloodshed and respect for humanity".

IUMS Secretary General Ali al-Qaradaghi said in the statement that the silence of the international community is "an incentive for the oppressors" to continue to commit crimes against the Syrian people and civilians with banned weapons.

Al-Qaradaghi called on the international community for an "urgent stance" against the "unacceptable violations".

On Feb. 24, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2401, which called for a month-long ceasefire in Syria -- especially in Eastern Ghouta -- to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Despite the resolution, the Assad regime last month launched a major ground offensive -- backed by Russia -- aimed at capturing Eastern Ghouta’s last opposition strongholds.

Home to some 400,000 people, the district has remained the target of a crippling regime siege for the last five years that has rendered the delivery of humanitarian supplies almost impossible.

Last month, a UN commission of inquiry released a report accusing the regime of committing war crimes in Eastern Ghouta, including the use of chemical weapons against civilians.