-
Period: to
The Syrian Genocide
-
The beginning of the massacre
The Syrian government was bombarted with a few minor protests with the use of gunfire, beatings and arrests. Eventually, the conflict acquired weapons and it transformed ino a brutal civil war. The president, Assad, blames foreign powers for the unrest, and announces measures designed to placate protesters, including allowing new political parties and a potential end to a state of emergency that has been in place for 48 years. -
US Actions
The United States imposes sanctions on Syria after a month of violent crackdowns by the Assad regime against protesters. Activists say at least 700 people have been killed. -
First Deaths
Tanks roll into the central city of Hama, launching an attack before the first day of Ramadan that activists say kills 80 people, bringing back memories of the 1982 massacre of 20,000 people in the same city by Assad's father. -
Nations' Decisions
"For the sake of the Syrian people, the time has come for President Assad to step aside," says President Barack Obama. The leaders of Britain, France, and Germany join the United States in calling for Assad to resign. -
The Arab League
The Arab League, which includes Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and 20 other countries, votes to suspend Syria's membership and threatens to impose economic and political sanctions if it doesn't stop the ongoing attacks against protesters. -
United Nations
International officials condemn the "massacre" in the city of Homs after an estimated 300 people are killed by a barrage of artillery fire from Syrian government forces. Shortly thereafter, China and Russia veto a resolution by the U.N. Security Council backing an Arab League peace plan for Syria. -
The Bloody Month
Chemical gas is used to kill 6,000 people. -
Undecided
The Obama administration announces it will send small arms and ammunition to Syrian rebels. The decision is later debated by Congress over fears that the United States could be arming the wrong people. -
Violence Stats
The United Nations announces that 100,000 people have been killed and 1.7 million people have been forced to become refugees as a result of the violence. -
Chemical Use
Opposition forces claim that hundreds of people are killed in a chemical weapons attack in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta. -
Refugees
By the end of the year, 2.3 million Syrian refugees had fled to Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt. 18 percent were living refugee camps. -
The deadliest year
76,000 people died in the Syria conflict in 2014. -
The removal of chemical weapons
General elections take place in government-held areas. For the first time since the Assad family took power, more than one candidate is allowed, but opposition groups and the international community describe them as a sham. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons says that it has completed removal of chemical weapons in Syria and that all production equipment and munitions have also been destroyed. -
IS
Forces from the United States and five Arab countries launch combined air strikes against IS in Syria. -
Russia interference
Russia carries out first air strikes in Syria, saying it targets the Islamic State group. But West and Syrian opposition say it overwhelmingly targets anti-Assad rebels instead. -
Current Events
Britain joins US-led bombing raids against Islamic State in wake of Paris suicide bombing attacks. Syrian Army allows rebels to evacuate remaining area of Homs, returning Syria's third-largest city to government control after four years. -
Help
Syrian government forces retake Palmyra from Islamic State, with Russian air assistance.