Human Shields: Syrians Camp Around Potential Targets as Human Shields Against Possible Foreign Strikes

Syrian civilians have come up with ways to avoid foreign intervention in Syria—one of them is the “Over Our Dead Bodies” campaign.

Volunteers have been camping out near vital civilian establishments as human shields, to protect against possible military strikes from the United States and European countries.

[Student]:
“We are here to send a message to western countries, mainly the US, to say we refuse any attack on our country, and we are willing to offer our lives in defense of it. We are here on this mountain overlooking Damascus and we hope that nothing will happen.”

Participants gathered in Damascus to wait for buses to take them off to camp, with people continuing to arrive late into the night.

[Shama, Campaigner]:
“This campaign aims mainly to show that we are determined to protect our country. We love our country and our army, and we will defend them against U.S. attacks.”

The first stop for the campaign was the Kasyoun Mountain overlooking Damascus.

Campers are aiming to protect the main communication and television broadcast station serving Damascus and its countryside.