Assad Bombs Earthquake-Hit Rebel-Held Area, As Rescuers Try to Save Syrian Civilians

The Syrian government bombed an opposition-held area of the country in the immediate aftermath of Monday's catastrophic earthquake, the UK has said.

MP Alicia Kearns, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, condemned President Bashar al-Assad for launching a 'truly callous and heinous attack' on the town of Marea, found in Syria's north-west that was struck by the earthquake.

Marea sits around 70 miles south of the Turkish town of Pazarcik, which is close to the epicenter of Monday's 7.8-magnitude quake.

Responding to the MP's statement, UK Foreign Secretary slammed the Assad regime for the 'completely unacceptable bombing'.

'Sadly it speaks to a long-standing pattern of behavior by the Assad regime, a regime that we condemn, have sanctioned and will continue to bring about sanctions — working with our international friends and partners — to try to prevent behavior like this occurring again,' he said.

The statements came after the White Helmets organization had issued a plea to diplomats, calling on them to pressure Damascus to ensure that there is no bombing in the areas affected by the quake.

The Syrian Red Crescent, meanwhile, appealed to Western countries to lift sanctions and provide aid as Assad's government remains a pariah in the West, complicating international cross-border relief efforts. (DM / VFI News)

“God, we ask for the protection and safety of Syrian citizens, who deserve to mourn their victims, heal swiftly, and rebuild their lives in peace after the tragedy that was inflicted upon them.”