The Syrian Interim Government’s defense ministry issued a video statement last Monday calling on the United Nations Security Council and the friends of Syria to save the besieged city of Zabadani, which has been under attack by Hezbollah and regime forces since the start of July.
Brigadier General Salim Idris claimed current events in Syria were the result of an "Iranian invasion", carried out by Iranian-backed “terrorist militias”.
Idris added that over 600 barrel bombs and 300 missiles had been used to target the city of Zabadani over the past three weeks.
The statement concluded by demanding the UN Security Council to "assume its responsibilities and put an end to these crimes".
The military commander called on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to break his silence on events in Syria. The statement also urged the friends of Syria to support Zabadani through the opposition’s National Coalition and its interim government.
Hezbollah, backed by regime forces, commenced a campaign of shelling and aerial bombardment on the city earlier in July. The effort was followed by unsuccessful attempts to advance on the city, but largely failed due to the resistance of opposition fighters, mainly from the Qalamoun region. Rebels have so far succeeded in defending the city without any additional reinforcements from opposition fighters in Qalamoun or neighboring areas.
At least 45 opposition fighters and 70 pro-regime fighters, including two Iranian officers, have reportedly been killed in the fighting, according to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer
