Entire Families, Including Women and Children, Killed by Syrian Military
The United Nations Human Rights Office announced that entire families, including women and children, have been killed by the Syrian military in the country’s coastal region.
UN Expresses Deep Concern Over Sectarian Killings
UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan stated that in several deeply concerning incidents, entire families—including women, children, and individuals unable to fight—were killed. He emphasized that predominantly Alawite towns and villages were specifically targeted.
During a press briefing in Geneva, Al-Kheetan revealed that the UN Human Rights Office has so far documented the deaths of 111 civilians, but the actual number is expected to be significantly higher. He detailed that among the confirmed victims, 90 were men, 18 were women, and three were children.
Executions and Sectarian Motives Suspected
Al-Kheetan told reporters that many recorded cases involved summary executions. He added that the killings appear to have been motivated by sectarian divisions. In some cases, men were reportedly shot dead in front of their families.
UN High Commissioner Calls for Independent Investigation
The spokesperson noted that Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, welcomed the Syrian government’s announcement of a committee to address accountability. Türk urged for a swift, comprehensive, independent, and impartial investigation. Previously, the Syrian presidency had announced the formation of a national independent committee to investigate recent events in the country’s western coastal regions.
Rising Tensions and Protests in Syria’s Coastal Cities
In recent days, Syria’s coastal areas have witnessed escalating tensions and violent clashes between government security forces led by Mohammad al-Jolani and opposition groups. The policies of the new Syrian government have sparked widespread anger among the Alawite community, leading to protests last Thursday in the cities of Qardaha, Jableh, Latakia, Tartus, Homs, and Masyaf.
Security Forces Open Fire on Protesters
In response to the peaceful demonstrations, military forces affiliated with Jolani reportedly opened fire directly at the protesters. The violence quickly spread across Syria’s coastal regions, with intense clashes erupting in Latakia province and the towns of Al-Haffa, Al-Mukhtariya, and Al-Shir. So far, these confrontations between the Syrian Interim Government’s security forces and armed groups have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Alawites.
From: irna