In the early hours of August 21, 2013, a series of rocket attacks struck the Damascus suburb of eastern Ghouta, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,500 people. Rescuers initially reported small explosions, but soon discovered victims exhibiting severe symptoms consistent with exposure to Sarin gas, a nerve agent.
This incident marked the deadliest episode in Syria's ongoing civil war, with men, women, and children succumbing to the effects of the gas while they slept. President Barack Obama had previously warned the Syrian government that the use of chemical weapons would cross a "red line," yet no military or judicial action was taken against President Bashar al-Assad or his regime following the attacks.
Currently, President al-Assad, who has sought refuge in Russia, faces war crime charges related to the attack, along with 22 associates. However, due to Russian protection, the likelihood of him facing justice remains low.
Investigators and witnesses have identified the Sarin attacks as emblematic of the brutality of al-Assad's government during a time when the regime was losing ground to rebel forces. Brig. Gen. Zaher al-Saket, a former Syrian Army commander, stated that the decision to use chemical weapons was intended to instill fear and demonstrate power amid the escalating conflict.
Survivors of the attack have returned to their neighborhoods, finding devastation and mass graves where many of their loved ones were buried. The traumatic memories of that night continue to haunt those who lived through it, with former rescue workers reporting lasting health issues from their exposure to the gas.
Rescue efforts were hampered by the chaos of the situation, with volunteers lacking training in handling chemical attacks. Many rescuers faced severe health consequences, and some lost their lives while attempting to save others.
As the attacks unfolded, hospitals quickly became overwhelmed with casualties. Medical staff struggled to provide care amid shortages of supplies and equipment, leading to dire conditions for the victims.
The chemical strikes predominantly affected civilians, occurring far from the front lines where rebel fighters were stationed. Witnesses noted that the attacks were not only lethal but also served as a precursor to intensified bombardments by government forces.
Brig. Gen. al-Saket revealed that the Sarin was launched from the Sharyat air base, which was later targeted by U.S. airstrikes in response to subsequent chemical attacks. The use of chemical weapons has been characterized as a tactic to instill terror and assert dominance over opposition forces.
Survivors, including rebel fighters, recounted the tragic loss of family members during the attacks, emphasizing the regime's strategy of targeting civilians to undermine the resolve of rebel groups.