Syrian leader pledges accountability for survivors of chemical assault on Eastern Ghouta

(MENAFN) Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met on Saturday with survivors of the 2013 chemical assault on Eastern Ghouta, which was carried out under Bashar al-Assad’s rule, and pledged that accountability for the tragedy would be pursued.

“These crimes will remain a witness to the suffering of the Syrians and their determination to attain freedom and dignity,” Sharaa said during the meeting.

“Bringing perpetrators to accountability and achieving justice is a right that does not expire with the passage of time,” he added.

Demonstrations were held in several Syrian cities to commemorate the massacre. Protesters displayed images of the victims and called for justice to be served.

The chemical attack in Ghouta, located on the outskirts of Damascus, was one of the deadliest incidents of its kind, killing over 1,400 civilians in just one night.

According to reports, since the beginning of anti-regime demonstrations in 2011, Assad’s forces have launched more than 200 chemical assaults on areas held by the opposition.

The transitional government, established following Assad’s removal in late 2024, is now focused on rebuilding stability in the country after nearly a quarter-century of authoritarian rule.

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