Minneapolis, MN – Over 25 people joined an emergency protest at the Minneapolis Federal Building on Sept. 23 to demonstrate against U.S. bombing of Syria.

The protest, organized with a few hours notice, was held to oppose the start of U.S. air strikes against targets in Syria.

The event was initiated by the Minnesota Peace action Coalition.

A statement issued by organizers said in part, “The U.S. intervention in Syria has nothing to do with concern for human rights, but is all about trying to maintain political and economic control of the region. The Pentagon does not send cruise missiles and bombs to help people, but to dominate the region. It is up to the people of the region to determine their own future, not the U.S.”

The statement continues, “The bombing campaign in Syria expands the new U.S. military intervention in the region that started this summer in Iraq. The new chapter of U.S. military intervention threatens the people of the region and will cost billions of dollars, funds that are needed for human needs.”

The picket is being organized in response to U.S. bombing of targets in Syria. The U.S. bombing campaign started Sept. 23.

The protest was organized under the call of “Say No to U.S. Bombing of Syria – No New Wars and Interventions – Stop the U.S. War in Iraq – Funds for Jobs and Housing, Not Wars and Interventions.”

Speaking at the event, Meredith Aby-Keirstead of the Anti-War Committee said, “Last night the U.S. war on terror expanded in a new way in Syria with 20 targets hit by U.S. bombers. 47 Tomahawk missiles were launched from two destroyers. The skies of Syria were filled last night with U.S. surveillance drones. I can only imagine the fear and devastation the U.S. caused last night to the people of Syria.”

Aby-Keirstead continued, “It’s important to note that this war isn’t just in Syria. The U.S. also launched four more air strikes in Iraq last night, bringing the total number since August, 2014 to 194.”

MPAC has called for a protest on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 3:00 pm to continue speaking out against the new U.S. wars. The Sept. 27 protest will start at 3:00 p.m. at Mayday Plaza, 3rd Street and Cedar Avenue in the West Bank neighborhood of Minneapolis.

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