Haytham Rahmeh, Secretary-General of the Syrian National Coalition (SOC), has called for a stronger and more serious response from the United States in the wake of the Tadamon Massacre, which he described as a heinous crime against the Syrian people. Rahmeh urged the US to hold Bashar al-Assad and the heads of his security agencies accountable for this and the other atrocities committed during the 12 years of the Syrian conflict.

Rahmeh emphasized that the US response should not be limited to imposing sanctions on Amjad Youssef, the individual responsible for the massacre. He argued that such measures do not go far enough in holding the regime accountable and preventing further crimes against the Syrian people.

Rahmeh also highlighted the approaching 12th anniversary of the Syrian Revolution, noting that the recent US sanctions against a member of Assad’s security forces are not enough. He called for the international community to take action against the real criminals behind the massacres, and to hold the regime’s leaders accountable for their crimes.

Rahmeh questioned the effectiveness of imposing sanctions on Youssef, who has never left Syria and is unlikely to have a passport. He warned that unless the regime’s commanders and leaders are held accountable, they will continue to issue orders for more killings with impunity.

Finally, Rahmeh stressed the international community’s responsibility to protect civilians and enforce the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions calling for a political transition in Syria.