By Charles Lefebvre

Local Syrians shocked and saddened by recent attacks

Apr 5, 2017 | 4:25 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Local Syrians are shocked and saddened after reading the news of the recent attacks in Syria.

More than 70 people have died as a result of Tuesday’s attacks in Khan Sheikhoun, a town in Syria’s northwest. The town was hit by severe airstrikes in the morning, with many victims displaying symptoms of chemical intoxication. If the use of chemical weapons is confirmed, it would be the deadliest chemical weapon attack in the Syrian Civil War since 2013.

Muna Alahj-Ali and Rabeaa Munia both fled Syria as a result of the civil war, and are now living in Medicine Hat.

Hearing the news of the attack stirred up many emotions for the two women.

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“Yesterday was very sad when we heard the news about Syria,” said Munia. “All the news is very bad at this time.”

“Our hearts are broken, (because of the) chemical massacre in Syria,”said Alahj-Ali

Both women have family remaining in the country, though not near Khan Sheikhoun, and have been in contact with them. Munia has three sisters in Syria, while Alahj-ali’s mother remains in the country.

Alahj-Ali and Munia say they left Syria to ensure their children’s safety.

“I found the safety in Canada for my children that I lost in my country,” said Munia.

Alahj-Ali is hopeful for the future of her country, but has strong feelings about Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

“I think in the future, everything will be okay,” she said. “Syrian children are in our hearts. But Bashar al-Assad, in Hell.”