Idlib, Apr. 4 (SANA) Residents of Khan Sheikhoun in southern Idlib gathered Saturday to mark the ninth anniversary of the 2017 chemical attack that killed scores of civilians, including children. The commemoration, held in the city’s northern neighborhood where the attack occurred, drew wide participation from local officials and community members.
Attendees emphasized the need to preserve the memory of April 4, 2017, continue documenting the attack, and pursue justice for those responsible. Many expressed solidarity with the families of victims.
Raed al-Saleh, Syria’s Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, told reporters that standing with victims’ families reflects both grief over the loss of innocent lives and hope that their message reaches the international community.
“The government continues to work on addressing the chemical weapons file and securing justice for the victims,” he said.
Syria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, said that commemorating the victims in Khan Sheikhoun carries particular significance and reinforces ongoing efforts to advocate for victims’ rights at the U.N. and hold perpetrators accountable.
Idlib Governor Mohammed Abdul Rahman extended condolences to families and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rebuilding the region, supporting the return of displaced residents, and pursuing accountability for past crimes.
Survivor Mustafa al-Khaled, who lost his entire family in the attack, said remembering the tragedy is crucial to prevent it from fading from public consciousness and to maintain pressure for justice.
The chemical attack on April 4, 2017, involved sarin gas and killed at least 91 civilians, including 32 children and 23 women, while injuring more than 520 others, according to documented reports.
M.Q.R
