VOA常速英语:Syrian People Victimized by ISIL and Assad

The Syrian people are caught in a web of violence being spun by the monstrous terrorist organization ISIL on the one hand, and the brutal regime of Bashar al-Assad on the other.

The United States is leading an international coalition aimed at degrading and defeating ISIL in Syria and Iraq. The United States is also conducting airstrikes on ISIL targets in both countries and is working with partners to stem the flow of foreign fighters and their funding, while at the same time increasing support for the moderate Syrian opposition that is fighting both ISIL and the Assad regime.

While leading international efforts to degrade and defeat ISIL, the United States is increasing pressure on the Assad regime, whose brutal response to peaceful anti-government protests in March 2011 sparked the conflict that has now led to the deaths of nearly 200,000 people.

On October 16, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a number of Syrian regime officials and supporters for facilitating the flow of funds and materiel to the Syrian regime and for being involved in the commission of egregious human rights violations.

As the Syrian people continue to fight on two fronts, the United States remains committed to supporting their efforts for a democratic, inclusive and unified Syria, free of both terrorists and tyrants.