Syria blasts foreign supporters of militancy

Syria’s deputy foreign minister has blasted foreign supporters of militancy in the Arab country, holding them responsible for the killing of the Syrian people.

“Those who send criminals to Syria, whether they are the USA, France, Britain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia or others are responsible for killing the Syrian people,” Faisal Mekdad said on Wednesday evening.

Mekdad also stated that Saudi Arabia and Israel are playing a lethal role in the country’s crisis, saying Riyadh and Tel Aviv are closely coordinating their actions and funneling cash and weapons to militants fighting against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

“Saudi-Israeli relations have become public, as they exchange visits and talks and have joint operation rooms,” the Syrian deputy foreign minister said.

Mekdad further noted that the United States is providing lethal weapons to the militants.

He also pointed to a deadly attack by the foreign-backed militants against citizens in Adraa al-Omalia near the Syrian capital Damascus on December 12, saying the “massacre will urge the whole world to change their viewpoint regarding those who offered weapons and money and provoked for joining armed terrorist groups.”

At least 20 people were killed and a number of others kidnapped in the raid. The militants also attacked government buildings and the main police station in the area, killing a number of policemen.

Syria has been gripped by deadly unrest since 2011. According to reports, Western powers and their regional allies – especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey – are supporting the militants operating inside the country.

According to the United Nations, more than 100,000 people have been killed and millions displaced due to the turmoil that has gripped Syria for over two years.

The UN also says more than four million other Syrians will be forced out of their homes in 2014 by the escalating conflict in the country.

Two million Syrians are expected to take refuge outside the country while another 2.25 million are predicted to be internally displaced next year.