As Western governments finally make a move for the first time in seven years against the Assad regime, while it continues to pelt Eastern Ghouta alongside its Russian ally, the Muslim Association of Britain’s thoughts remain with the people of Syria.

For seven years, the people of Syria have been subjected to the brutality of the Assad regime and its allies amid international inaction. Nearly 400,000 Syrians have been killed since the start of the conflict, and the latest airstrikes merely send a message to the Syrian regime that the murder of civilians with any other weapon, besides chemical weapons, will be tolerated.

Whilst long overdue, the British government’s condemnation is welcomed. However, more needs to be done to ensure that the people of Syria will not continue to pay the price for these airstrikes.

More needs to be done. MAB calls on the British government and the international community to increase its efforts in removing the brutal regime of Bashar Al-Assad. Those who are responsible for the senseless suffering of the Syrian people must be held to account; condemnations and vague red lines are not an option.

Speaking on behalf of MAB, Mustafa Al-Dabbagh said: “The Syrian regime continue to show callous contempt for humanity and complete disregard for international laws. This is not the first time chemical weapons have been used, despite Syria agreeing to destroy its stockpile of industrial munition in 2013. The blatant disregard for human life and international agreements made was only made possible by international silence.”