Assad's forces hit Euphrates dam, Opposition warns of huge catastrophe

Syrian opposition group rang alarm bells saying lives of millions in imminent danger after shelling the Euphrates dam, north east Syria, by explosive barrels; activists also warned of a huge catastrophe.

 Assad’s Air Forces have dropped explosive barrels on the Euphrates Dam in Raqqa, endangering the lives of millions of people, and setting a dangerous new precedent, specifically in the eastern provinces, the Syrian National Coalition said in A statement,.

Such carelessness about the lives of millions of people only demonstrates that Assad is willing to commit genocide against the Syria people; and in this particular case against the people in the eastern provinces such as Deir Ezzor and Raqqa, just to remain in power, the Coalition added.

 After the use of chemical weapons, Assad has embarked upon another humanitarian disaster, the gravity of which he does not seem to realize. The Euphrates Dam is the largest dam in Syria and is an important source of electricity. If the dam breaks due to the regime’s bombardment, thousands of people, if not millions, could lose their lives in the civilian areas surrounding the dam. 

The mean stream opposition called on the international community to act immediately to put an end to this black chapter in the history of Syria.  ''All possible actions must be taken immediately to restrain a tyrant who continues to slaughter innocent civilians and destroy entire neighborhoods just to remain in power,'' Coalition stated.

The Euphrates Dam was completed in 1973. Since then, the dam was considered as ''a blessing for the Syrian people'', for it has in it more than 11 billion cubic meters of water.