Activists are reporting the defection of an officer in the local branch of the Mukhabarat in Deir AzZour. Activists also report the defection of the top prosecutor in Hama province as well.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Inside Source: Defecting Officer Ambushed and Killed in Village of Kafar Nabil, Idlib
In the village of Kafar Nabil, retired captain and former pilot officer Mustafa Salim Hizballah was ambushed and killed in a joint raid by the Mukhabarat and the army. The captain had been an outspoken critic in the past of the regime and had been expelled from the military because of his criticisms. He had been helping soldiers and officers in Idlib province defect and finding safe locations to send them once they defected. He was 43 when he died.
Inside Source: Members of the Local Idlib Branch of the Mukhabarat Defect
Activists are reporting that as many as 25 members of the Mukhabarat (internal security services) have defected in the Jabal Az-Awiya region of Idlib. More information may be forthcoming later in the evening.
Inside Source: Security Forces Kill 7, Wound 40 in the Town of Sermin, Idlib
Security forces entered the town of Sermin, Idlib and attacked the town's residents at random in retaliation for the town's continuous and unabated participation in protests against the regime. 7 people were killed and more than 40 people were wounded. Locals in the region are calling it "the Sermin massacre."
News Wire: Syrian Opposition Council Created
The Syrian opposition has finally cobbled together a national council to represent the various disparate opposition groups both within and outside of Syria. Burhan Ghalioun - a political science professor at Sorbonne University- was named chairman of this 94 person council. See the details here: http://en.rian.ru/world/20110829/166274819.html
Inside Source: General Strike Held Today in Syria- Violence Used Against Strikers in Idlib Province
A general strike had been called for Monday in all of Syria in support of the people of Damascus. Strikes occurred all over Idlib province including in the following towns and areas: Sarqab, Mar'aat Numan, Kafar Nabil, Kafrouma, Jabal Az-Awiya, Jisr Al'Shaghour, Ariha, Kafar Takhrim, Al'Tamanaah, Al'Habeit, Khan Sheikhoun and Sermin.
Security forces were sent to break up the general strike in Khan Sheikhoun and Sermin. In Khan Sheikhoun residents participated in acts of civil disobedience and refused to go to work. Residents refused to open their shops or even collect their monthly wages in support of the people of Damascus. Security forces entered the city and attempted to force people to open their shops and go to work. Those shops that were not opened were broken into and vandalized. A massive campaign of arrest was instituted in which over 85 people were detained and then tortured before being sent to the central Mukhabarat holding facility in Idlib province.
In the town of Sermin a similar situation occurred. Security forces entered in an attempt to break the general strike and force people to go to work. Security forces also opened fire on the town with heavy machine guns, forcing many resident to flee into the nearby rural areas to avoid being shot or detained. Dozens of city employees were arrested and detained. One resident was shot in the stomach by machine gun fire from a tank and died immediately. Three shops of owners who could not be found and arrested were also burned down by security forces. Overall, 350 people were arrested across the province, including 120 city and provincial employees. Demonstrations continued around the province after Taraweeh prayers in the evening in support of the people of Damascus and the demand for the fall of the regime.
Security forces were sent to break up the general strike in Khan Sheikhoun and Sermin. In Khan Sheikhoun residents participated in acts of civil disobedience and refused to go to work. Residents refused to open their shops or even collect their monthly wages in support of the people of Damascus. Security forces entered the city and attempted to force people to open their shops and go to work. Those shops that were not opened were broken into and vandalized. A massive campaign of arrest was instituted in which over 85 people were detained and then tortured before being sent to the central Mukhabarat holding facility in Idlib province.
In the town of Sermin a similar situation occurred. Security forces entered in an attempt to break the general strike and force people to go to work. Security forces also opened fire on the town with heavy machine guns, forcing many resident to flee into the nearby rural areas to avoid being shot or detained. Dozens of city employees were arrested and detained. One resident was shot in the stomach by machine gun fire from a tank and died immediately. Three shops of owners who could not be found and arrested were also burned down by security forces. Overall, 350 people were arrested across the province, including 120 city and provincial employees. Demonstrations continued around the province after Taraweeh prayers in the evening in support of the people of Damascus and the demand for the fall of the regime.
Inside Source: Update on Syrian Army Defection in Idlib Province
Sources have confirmed that 30 soldiers from the Syrian army did defect while on duty in Idlib province. During a pitched battle between defecting soldiers and soldiers loyal to the regime, 22 soldiers were able to escape into the countryside while another 8 were killed during the battle. The remaining 22 soldiers are reported to been able to make it to safety and were taken by activists to a safe location for their protection.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Inside Source: Death toll around Syria for Friday and Saturday
The death toll around Syria was put at 19 with hundreds wounded on Friday. On Saturday, sources report at least 11 dead with over a hundred wounded. Activists were unable confirm further details regarding the deaths over the last two days as they are afraid that their conversations are being monitored by the authorities and giving specifics could put their fellow activists in serious danger.
Inside Source: Early Morning Shelling of Villages in Idlib Province and More Army Defections
Heavy shelling of villages in the Jabal Az-Awiya region of Idlib occured early this morning. It is also reported that a contingent as large as 30 soldiers were in the midst of a firefight with soldiers loyal to the regime as they attempted to defect. Defections of soldiers from the Syrian army have increased in the last month as the use of violence around the country to repress protests has only increased and become more widespread.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Inside Source: Shabiha Militants Attack Protest in Jabal Az'Awiya Region with Nail Bomb
Demonstrations took place today after dawn prayers in the village of Kafaroumah, Idlib. Demonstrators were attacked by the Shabiha with a nail bomb. One demonstrator and resident named Ahmed Ibrahim Albyor threw himself onto the bomb to protect other demonstrators and was killed. More than 115 others were wounded, 9 in serious condition.
Inside Source: Security Forces Fire on Worshipers Attending Morning Prayers in Damascus
Worshipers attending morning prayers at the Abdul Karim Rifai Mosque in the area of Kafar Souseh, Damascus were attacked by security forces. According to activists, security forces and the Shabiha surrounding the mosque and opened fire on worshipers, injuring 11 people, 9 are in serious condition. After the attack, security forces also prevented worshipers from taking the wounded out of the mosque to the hospital.
Update: It has also been reported that the Imam of the mosque was also wounded in the fighting.
Update: It has also been reported that the Imam of the mosque was also wounded in the fighting.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Inside Source: Daily Roundup for Monday and Tuesday Early Morning
Lots of new developments so bear with me!
Aleppo Province: Demonstrations took place last night after Taraweeh prayers in the following areas: Salah'Adin, Seif Al'Dowla, Al'Sakhour, Eindaan, Bab Al'Hadeed, Till Rifaat, Al'Ashrafiya, Al'Sheikh Maqsour, Al'Masharqa, Sharaa Al'Neel. Security forces shot into the air to disperse protesters. No reports of injuries or deaths at this time.
Damascus Province: Yesterday the UN investigative team also visited Damascus province and were again greeted by large demonstrations in the areas of Radia, Al'Moadamieh, an Al'Kasou. After the departure of the delegation, the army along with elements of the internal security forces stormed these areas and opened fire from military vehicles with heavy machine gun fire, wounding more than 45 people. In these areas the intelligences services have instituted a massive arrest campaign, arresting hundreds of people from Damascus province. Demonstrations also took place in the following areas: Al'Qaboun, Al'Midaan, Al'Til, Barza, Al'Hajar Al'Aswad, Al'Seedeh, Zaynab and Douma. Security forces and the Shabiha stormed the area of Al'Qaboun and made mass arrests.
Deraa Province: Demonstrations took place yesterday in the following areas: Al'Harak, Daa'il, Al'Sanameen, Jasim, Noua, Deraa Al'Bilad, Al'Maseefreh. Last night after dark, the army raided the areas of Al'Harak and Daa'il arresting dozens of demonstrators. Electricity and water were also cut off completely to these areas.
Deir Az-Zour: Demonstrations took place after Taraweeh prayer last night despite heavy security presence in the city including tanks, heavy weapons and other military vehicles. The security forces occupying the city opened fire on demonstrators and continued firing non-stop for two hours. Communications to the city were at some point cut off and it is not known the number of casualties.
Hama Province: Scattered protests took place in Hama yesterday despite heavy security deployments. Activists report that people were killed while attempting to attend prayers at one of the mosques in the city of Hama. The humanitarian situation in Hama continues to worsen due to the lack of food and water. Security forces continue to disrupt electricity and communications to the city to prevent neighborhoods from communicating with one another. Demonstrations took place in the following areas: Khan Shekhoun, Al'tamanaameh, Souraan, Halafiya, Qalaat Al'madiq.
As of this morning, the army is said to have crossed from Idlib province into Hama province and was on its way to the areas of Ifameya and Qalaat Al'Madeeq.
Homs: Yesterday members of a UN investigative team came to visit the city of Homs. Investigators were greeted by a huge demonstration in "Times Square" (which in the centre of the city). After the UN team left the city security forces -including snipers- in conjunction with the Shabiha opened fire on demonstrators from positions they had taken up in the buildings surrounding the square. At least two people were killed by sniper fire and an unknown number of people were wounded. Activists report that nail bombs are also being used against protesters around Homs city, injuring 25 people and killing 3. There was also a large protest at area of "Bab Sabaa" in the city itself which went well into the night and it is reported 1 death and at least 15 wounded. Massive arrests at the rally are also reported. Demonstrations also took place in the following areas: Al'Hamidieh, Al'ouar, Al'Beida, Al'Khaldiya, Bab Houd, Bab Amrou ad Tibliseh.
Human Rights Violation: It is also reported that continued detentions of doctors and nurses in Homs city continues. A nurse named Reema Zakaria Al'Hassan was arrested from a main hospital in the city of Homs for helping those who were wounded in demonstrations.
In the area of Al'Ouar, security forces and elements of the Shabiha used heavy machine gun fire against demonstators, injuring 7 people and killing at least one man and his 6 month year old son. Ala Abu Al'labaan was holding his son and standing the balcony of his house when a snipe apparently shot him, the bullet passing through and killing his son and then him.
Demonstrations took place yesterday in Al'Zabadani in front the visiting UN investigative committee. Demonstrations also took place in the town of Rastan after prayers yesterday. The army fired heavy weapons into crowds of demonstrators. It is reported that planes were used to bomb the Western side of Rastan around 10pm last night. Communications to the town had been cut and it is unknown how many people have been killed or injured in the town itself.
Activists also state the regime made attempts to cover up the extent of the repression by taking the UN team to either Alawite villages or villages known to be supportive of the regime in the province, and thus have seen little violence or a heavy security buildup.
Idlib Province: Demonstrations took place last night in the following areas after Taraweeh prayers: Sarqeeb, Ma'araat Numan, Jabal Az'Awiya. Binnish, Taftanaz, Kafar Takharim and Sarmeen. A massive arrests were carried out in Ma'araat Numan, Kafroumeh and Maeshoureen. 150 demonstrators were arrested at least.
Suwayda Province: This province which is heavily Druze, had three separate small demonstrations yesterday. After demonstrations were completely, security forces arrested any the protesters they could locate, from their homes.
Aleppo Province: Demonstrations took place last night after Taraweeh prayers in the following areas: Salah'Adin, Seif Al'Dowla, Al'Sakhour, Eindaan, Bab Al'Hadeed, Till Rifaat, Al'Ashrafiya, Al'Sheikh Maqsour, Al'Masharqa, Sharaa Al'Neel. Security forces shot into the air to disperse protesters. No reports of injuries or deaths at this time.
Damascus Province: Yesterday the UN investigative team also visited Damascus province and were again greeted by large demonstrations in the areas of Radia, Al'Moadamieh, an Al'Kasou. After the departure of the delegation, the army along with elements of the internal security forces stormed these areas and opened fire from military vehicles with heavy machine gun fire, wounding more than 45 people. In these areas the intelligences services have instituted a massive arrest campaign, arresting hundreds of people from Damascus province. Demonstrations also took place in the following areas: Al'Qaboun, Al'Midaan, Al'Til, Barza, Al'Hajar Al'Aswad, Al'Seedeh, Zaynab and Douma. Security forces and the Shabiha stormed the area of Al'Qaboun and made mass arrests.
Deraa Province: Demonstrations took place yesterday in the following areas: Al'Harak, Daa'il, Al'Sanameen, Jasim, Noua, Deraa Al'Bilad, Al'Maseefreh. Last night after dark, the army raided the areas of Al'Harak and Daa'il arresting dozens of demonstrators. Electricity and water were also cut off completely to these areas.
Deir Az-Zour: Demonstrations took place after Taraweeh prayer last night despite heavy security presence in the city including tanks, heavy weapons and other military vehicles. The security forces occupying the city opened fire on demonstrators and continued firing non-stop for two hours. Communications to the city were at some point cut off and it is not known the number of casualties.
Hama Province: Scattered protests took place in Hama yesterday despite heavy security deployments. Activists report that people were killed while attempting to attend prayers at one of the mosques in the city of Hama. The humanitarian situation in Hama continues to worsen due to the lack of food and water. Security forces continue to disrupt electricity and communications to the city to prevent neighborhoods from communicating with one another. Demonstrations took place in the following areas: Khan Shekhoun, Al'tamanaameh, Souraan, Halafiya, Qalaat Al'madiq.
As of this morning, the army is said to have crossed from Idlib province into Hama province and was on its way to the areas of Ifameya and Qalaat Al'Madeeq.
Homs: Yesterday members of a UN investigative team came to visit the city of Homs. Investigators were greeted by a huge demonstration in "Times Square" (which in the centre of the city). After the UN team left the city security forces -including snipers- in conjunction with the Shabiha opened fire on demonstrators from positions they had taken up in the buildings surrounding the square. At least two people were killed by sniper fire and an unknown number of people were wounded. Activists report that nail bombs are also being used against protesters around Homs city, injuring 25 people and killing 3. There was also a large protest at area of "Bab Sabaa" in the city itself which went well into the night and it is reported 1 death and at least 15 wounded. Massive arrests at the rally are also reported. Demonstrations also took place in the following areas: Al'Hamidieh, Al'ouar, Al'Beida, Al'Khaldiya, Bab Houd, Bab Amrou ad Tibliseh.
Human Rights Violation: It is also reported that continued detentions of doctors and nurses in Homs city continues. A nurse named Reema Zakaria Al'Hassan was arrested from a main hospital in the city of Homs for helping those who were wounded in demonstrations.
In the area of Al'Ouar, security forces and elements of the Shabiha used heavy machine gun fire against demonstators, injuring 7 people and killing at least one man and his 6 month year old son. Ala Abu Al'labaan was holding his son and standing the balcony of his house when a snipe apparently shot him, the bullet passing through and killing his son and then him.
Demonstrations took place yesterday in Al'Zabadani in front the visiting UN investigative committee. Demonstrations also took place in the town of Rastan after prayers yesterday. The army fired heavy weapons into crowds of demonstrators. It is reported that planes were used to bomb the Western side of Rastan around 10pm last night. Communications to the town had been cut and it is unknown how many people have been killed or injured in the town itself.
Activists also state the regime made attempts to cover up the extent of the repression by taking the UN team to either Alawite villages or villages known to be supportive of the regime in the province, and thus have seen little violence or a heavy security buildup.
Idlib Province: Demonstrations took place last night in the following areas after Taraweeh prayers: Sarqeeb, Ma'araat Numan, Jabal Az'Awiya. Binnish, Taftanaz, Kafar Takharim and Sarmeen. A massive arrests were carried out in Ma'araat Numan, Kafroumeh and Maeshoureen. 150 demonstrators were arrested at least.
Suwayda Province: This province which is heavily Druze, had three separate small demonstrations yesterday. After demonstrations were completely, security forces arrested any the protesters they could locate, from their homes.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Inside Source: Double Daily Roundup for Friday and Saturday Around Syria
Today's daily roundup includes information both from Friday and Saturday. The level of violence across the country has increased markedly this weekend and there were widespread demonstrations across the country starting Friday afternoon.
Friday
Deraa province: 8 dead in Gabab, 6 in Injeel, 4 in Al'Harak. Dozens of others were injured in the province, some in critical condition. The intelligence services has imposed a curfew in the areas of: Injeel, Nou'a, Al'Sanameen, Jasim, Khirbet Ghazaleh. More than 150 people who had attended protested were arrested.
Friday and Saturday
Homs province: The city of Homs is currently experiencing a surge in violence as the army uses heavy machine guns, tanks, and airplanes against the city. Activists describe the violence against the city "like real warfare, only aimed at civilians instead." 16 people are reported dead and more then 50 wounded, most of them in critical condition. Bombing and shelling of the city continued throughout the day today (Saturday) as well.
Friday and Saturday
Aleppo province: demonstrations were held both days in the city and the province.Friday
Ar-Raqqah Province: the city of Ar-Raqqah held a demonstration. The army, in cooperation with intelligence services dispersed the demonstration by shooting in the air to intimidate people and prevent renewed demonstrations.Friday
Damascus: Demonstrations were held in the following neighborhoods: Douma, Harista, Al'Kasouh, Al'Qaboun, Al'Midaan, Al'Maudimeah, Barza, Al'Til, Daria, Hajirah, Al'Hajar Al'Aswaad. Intelligence services and the Shabiha shot into crowds of demonstrators in Al'Kasouh, killing 4 people, 2 in Douma and another 19 around the province itself.Saturday
Damascus: Renewed demonstrations to protest the deaths of demonstrators from the day before.Friday
Deraa province: 8 dead in Gabab, 6 in Injeel, 4 in Al'Harak. Dozens of others were injured in the province, some in critical condition. The intelligence services has imposed a curfew in the areas of: Injeel, Nou'a, Al'Sanameen, Jasim, Khirbet Ghazaleh. More than 150 people who had attended protested were arrested.
Saturday
Deraa province: Renewed demonstrations occurred in the province. Protests were held at the funerals of those killed the day before.Friday
Deir Az-Zour province: protests in the city of Deir Az-Zour and the town of Abu Kamal after friday prayers. Intelligence services and Shabiha opened fired on demonstrators in the city of Deir Az-Zour, killing 3 and wounding 10, two of whom are in critical condition. In the town of Abu Kamal (which is on the Iraqi border) there was a very large demonstration and it is reported that the army has now entered the city in an attempt to restore the regime's control over the town.Saturday
Deir Az-Zour province: renewed demonstrations at the funerals of the protesters who died the day before.Friday and Saturday
Hama province: demonstrations were held both days in the city and the province.Friday and Saturday
Homs province: The city of Homs is currently experiencing a surge in violence as the army uses heavy machine guns, tanks, and airplanes against the city. Activists describe the violence against the city "like real warfare, only aimed at civilians instead." 16 people are reported dead and more then 50 wounded, most of them in critical condition. Bombing and shelling of the city continued throughout the day today (Saturday) as well.
Friday and Saturday
Idlib Province: Demonstrations took place in Idlib city after Friday prayers. Intelligence services shot in the air to disperse protesters but no one was reported to have been wounded or killed. In the rural part of the province, demonstrations took place in the following areas: Binish, Saraqab, Ma'arrat Al'Numan, Kafar Nabil, Taftanaj, Jabal Az-Awiya. In Ma'arrat Al'Numan, Saraqab and Kafar Nabil soldiers shot at protesters from the back of tanks to disperse demonstrators. No injuries have been reported. Activists also report that intelligence services are forcing government employees to attend pro-Bashar Al'Assad rallies which are then portrayed on Syrian state television as a way to show the world that most Syrian people are with the regime. One such employee, Mohammad Yahya Al'Ismail from the village of Bassamas, Jabal Az-Awiya region refused to take part in a pro-government rally. Security forces killed him shortly after Maghrib prayers Friday for refusing to attend a pro-government rally. His body was transported back to his village for burial today. Friday, August 19, 2011
Inside Source: Explosions Witnessed at Military Airport in Damascus
4 explosions are reported to have occurred in the Al'Mezzeh military airport in Damascus. No information yet as to the cause of the explosions.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Inside Source: Tomorrow is Friday
Activists say that there will be large widespread protests all over the country after Friday prayers. Friday has been a big day for protests around the region and in Syria as well. Activists say that protests are so widespread across the country that every security intelligence branch has been mobilized in a large show of force to try and prevent people from attending protests. I will hopefully be posting a detailed Daily Roundup tomorrow of the situation in each province. Stay tuned....
Inside Source: More Large Protests in Aleppo Today
Large protests occurred in the city of Aleppo today. Security forces dispersed crowds with shots in the air and tear gas as the standing order not to kill protesters in the city still seem to be in place. Security forces also turned on air-raid sirens that activists say are only used when Syria is either at war or a state of emergency has occurred. A huge security presence is being maintained in Aleppo to intimidate people and force them to stay in their homes and not attend protests.
Inside Source: Three Soldiers are Executed for Not Carrying out Arrest Orders
Today in the village of Ahsam, Idlib province, three soldiers were executed by their commanding officer after they refused orders to arrest a group of youths who were traveling by car through the various checkpoints that have been set up throughout Idlib province to prevent people from attending protests. The commanding officer found out the soldiers were waving youths through the checkpoint in this specific village and when he found out he had to kill them. It seems that standing orders are being given to shoot any soldiers who refuse orders or are caught defecting.
Inside Source: Heavy Shelling of the Village of Al'Rami , Idlib Province
There is currently heavy shelling of the village Al'rami in the Jabal Az-Awiya region of Idlib Province. Al'rami is a village 5 kilometers from the village of Ibdeeta which was shelled yesterday night. No word on casualties yet.
News Alert: President Obama in Concert with European Leaders Makes an Explicit Call for Syrian President Bashar Al'Assad to Leave office
After five months of waiting and wondering, European and American leaders issued a joint statement demanding that, "that for the sake of the Syrian people, the time has come for President Assad to step aside." President Obama also announced a set of new sanctions against the regime: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/19/world/middleeast/19diplo.html?_r=1&hp
Inside Source: Daily Roundup from Around Syria
Today's news from around Syria:
Aleppo: Large demonstrations against the regime occurred around the province and in the city itself. The main square apparently had a large demonstration in which security forces fired into the square. It is unknown how many people have been killed or injured.
Damascus: Security forces launched a major campaign against activists in the city and the province. Dawn raids took place on the houses of activists resulting in wide spread arrests. One such raid took place in the neighborhood of Rakan Al'Deen in Damascus city. Security forces also stormed the town of Madamiah Al'Sham and raided houses and farms and arrested five activists. Areas in the rural parts of Damascus included: Al'Zabdani, Harasta and Arbeen. After Taraweeh prayer, protests took place in the following neighborhoods in Damascus city: Al'Kasouh, Al'Qadam, Al'Hajar Al'Aswad, Douma, Al'Qaboun, the Yarmouk refugee camp, and Al'Midaan which is the center of the city. A women's demonstration also took place in the Damascus countryside. Security forces opened fire on demonstrators in the neighborhood of Al'Hajar Al'Aswad, killing one protester and making wide sweeping arrests. Security forces also opened fire on Palestinians demonstrating against the regime in the Yarmouk refugee camp, wounding 7 people.
Homs: Protests occurred after Taraweeh prayers. 16 people were killed by security forces.
Idlib: The Syrian army continued military operations in the Jabal Az-Awiya region of the province. As reported earlier, elements of the army near the town of Mar'ien defected. A large battle between the defectors and those still loyal to the regime ensued in which large amounts of gunfire and tank fire could be heard. Colonel Mohammed Musa (who is Alawite) and his assistant, Captain Yousef Yahya in addition to 30 conscripted soldiers defected. During the battle, machine gun fire and shelling landed in the village of Ibdeeta, killing Ahmed Abdo Al'Jizar who was standing on the balcony of his home. An additional 4 people from this village were wounded, one resident is in critical condition.
In the northern part of Idlib province, many people fleeing the city of Latakia have ended up in the village of Bidama which is located near the Turkish border. Security forces and the Shabiha have surrounded the village and trapped the fleeing families inside the village. Water and electricity have been shutoff to the village and the refugees who have fled Latakia are now facing much hardship as is the village itself.
Lattakia: Morning raids took place in the city in which more security forces entered the city to take part in the raids in which many people were arrested. It is reported more than 850 security personnel took part in the Thursday morning raids. It is unknown the level of casualties, but it is reported that residents are not taking their wounded to the hospitals for fear that security forces will sweep through and either arrest or kill anyone who is found receiving treatment.
In the town of Jableh in Latakia province, residents were once again told that if they did not leave the town the army would storm the town. This is seen as punishment because the residents of the town have been protesting against the regime and calling for its downfall.
Aleppo: Large demonstrations against the regime occurred around the province and in the city itself. The main square apparently had a large demonstration in which security forces fired into the square. It is unknown how many people have been killed or injured.
Damascus: Security forces launched a major campaign against activists in the city and the province. Dawn raids took place on the houses of activists resulting in wide spread arrests. One such raid took place in the neighborhood of Rakan Al'Deen in Damascus city. Security forces also stormed the town of Madamiah Al'Sham and raided houses and farms and arrested five activists. Areas in the rural parts of Damascus included: Al'Zabdani, Harasta and Arbeen. After Taraweeh prayer, protests took place in the following neighborhoods in Damascus city: Al'Kasouh, Al'Qadam, Al'Hajar Al'Aswad, Douma, Al'Qaboun, the Yarmouk refugee camp, and Al'Midaan which is the center of the city. A women's demonstration also took place in the Damascus countryside. Security forces opened fire on demonstrators in the neighborhood of Al'Hajar Al'Aswad, killing one protester and making wide sweeping arrests. Security forces also opened fire on Palestinians demonstrating against the regime in the Yarmouk refugee camp, wounding 7 people.
Homs: Protests occurred after Taraweeh prayers. 16 people were killed by security forces.
Idlib: The Syrian army continued military operations in the Jabal Az-Awiya region of the province. As reported earlier, elements of the army near the town of Mar'ien defected. A large battle between the defectors and those still loyal to the regime ensued in which large amounts of gunfire and tank fire could be heard. Colonel Mohammed Musa (who is Alawite) and his assistant, Captain Yousef Yahya in addition to 30 conscripted soldiers defected. During the battle, machine gun fire and shelling landed in the village of Ibdeeta, killing Ahmed Abdo Al'Jizar who was standing on the balcony of his home. An additional 4 people from this village were wounded, one resident is in critical condition.
In the northern part of Idlib province, many people fleeing the city of Latakia have ended up in the village of Bidama which is located near the Turkish border. Security forces and the Shabiha have surrounded the village and trapped the fleeing families inside the village. Water and electricity have been shutoff to the village and the refugees who have fled Latakia are now facing much hardship as is the village itself.
Lattakia: Morning raids took place in the city in which more security forces entered the city to take part in the raids in which many people were arrested. It is reported more than 850 security personnel took part in the Thursday morning raids. It is unknown the level of casualties, but it is reported that residents are not taking their wounded to the hospitals for fear that security forces will sweep through and either arrest or kill anyone who is found receiving treatment.
In the town of Jableh in Latakia province, residents were once again told that if they did not leave the town the army would storm the town. This is seen as punishment because the residents of the town have been protesting against the regime and calling for its downfall.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Breaking News: More Defections from the Syrian Army Occur in Idlib Province
In the early morning hours, several officers (a lieutenant and a captain at least, the ranks of the other officers are not known) and around 30 members of the Syrian army stationed in Idlib province decided to defect and make their way into Turkey. It is reported that two of the officers were also Alawite, and that they along with other defecting soldiers engaged in a fierce firefight between themselves and soldiers who fired upon them as they attempted to leave. 4 soldiers were killed in the ensuing battle and the rest of the soldiers are reported to have made it safely across the border into Turkey.
Analysis: Defecting Soldiers, Why and Who are They?
As early as May, I was told that some soldiers were refusing orders to fire on peaceful protesters and had been subsequently gunned down by snipers from the internal security services. During the first days of the massive protests that rocked the coastal city of Latakia, SANA news reported on the protests and showed graphic photos of soldiers who had supposedly been gunned down by "armed thugs and outside forces intent on sabotaging Syria by fomenting unrest." When watching the report, it could be seen that of the 9 dead soldiers shown, almost all had single bullet wounds to either the head or chest. This has become a hallmark of the regime, using the internal security services to punish soldiers who refuse to obey orders. I was also told that punishment of this kind was especially prevelant for commanding officers and soldiers who were Alawite and refused orders to fire, although the exact specifics of this story were never confirmed.
Soldiers who have defected have given similar accounts of being given the choice by their commanding officers to either fire on protesters or be shot themselves. I recently interviewed several soldiers via an intermediary and they recounted their stories regarding why they defected and under what circumstances. As the months have gone on, the number of Syrian soldiers defecting has only increased, most making their way out of the country for safety reasons.
Soldier #1: Was a volunteer sergeant in the Republican Guard in the 100th Regiment, paratroopers. His division was sent to the region of Modamieh in Damascus province to quell protests there. He explained that orders were being given by the military intelligence services. Hit unit was ordered to open fire on peaceful protesters. This soldier and a number of his comrades refused orders to fire. When it became clear that members of the military intelligence services present were going to fire themselves on the protesters, this soldier and his fellow soldiers who had refused the orders turned their guns on the military intelligence service commanders. In the resulting firefight, eight soldiers were killed and he and ten other soldiers escaped. They were subsequently sheltered by protesters within Damascus province until they could make their way out of the country.
Soldier #2: Was in the Syrian special forces in the 4th Mechanized Division. His unit traveled with the rest of the army sent to retake the city of Hama. When they arrived at the city, he said he saw members of the Mukhabarat and Shabiha wearing official army uniforms (which they have not done in the past apparently) and driving the armored personnel carriers and tanks who were shelling residential sections of the city and killing civilians at random. He and five of his fellow soldiers decided at this point to leave the army. They left Hama along with a number of young people from Hama and made their way into Idlib province and crossed out of the country.
Soldier #3: Also a soldier in the 4th Mechanized Division and a friend of soldier #2. Upon seeing that the army was shelling and attacking residential parts of Hama and shooting unarmed civilians decided to defect and left with soldier #2 from Hama to Idlib province and out of the country.
These three examples are important because they are career soldiers who are in the Republican Guard and the 4th Mechanized Division. These two branches of the military are seen as loyal to the regime and the Assad family. The 4th Mechanized Division is under the command of Maher Assad (younger brother) and the Republican Guard is charged with guarding the city of Damascus and the province. As time goes on, an increase in defections from these two branches of the military will be telling in terms of the military's calculations regarding whether or not they think this regime can survive the current upheaval. Serious collapse of either of these branches of the military leave the regime with only the Mukhabarat and the Shabiha as tools of terror, and just two weeks ago the Shabiha had a protest in Damascus because the regime was behind on their payments to them. Clearly, the internal mechanics of the Syrian military need to be closely watched for indications of a serious change in momentum either for or against the regime.
Soldiers who have defected have given similar accounts of being given the choice by their commanding officers to either fire on protesters or be shot themselves. I recently interviewed several soldiers via an intermediary and they recounted their stories regarding why they defected and under what circumstances. As the months have gone on, the number of Syrian soldiers defecting has only increased, most making their way out of the country for safety reasons.
Soldier #1: Was a volunteer sergeant in the Republican Guard in the 100th Regiment, paratroopers. His division was sent to the region of Modamieh in Damascus province to quell protests there. He explained that orders were being given by the military intelligence services. Hit unit was ordered to open fire on peaceful protesters. This soldier and a number of his comrades refused orders to fire. When it became clear that members of the military intelligence services present were going to fire themselves on the protesters, this soldier and his fellow soldiers who had refused the orders turned their guns on the military intelligence service commanders. In the resulting firefight, eight soldiers were killed and he and ten other soldiers escaped. They were subsequently sheltered by protesters within Damascus province until they could make their way out of the country.
Soldier #2: Was in the Syrian special forces in the 4th Mechanized Division. His unit traveled with the rest of the army sent to retake the city of Hama. When they arrived at the city, he said he saw members of the Mukhabarat and Shabiha wearing official army uniforms (which they have not done in the past apparently) and driving the armored personnel carriers and tanks who were shelling residential sections of the city and killing civilians at random. He and five of his fellow soldiers decided at this point to leave the army. They left Hama along with a number of young people from Hama and made their way into Idlib province and crossed out of the country.
Soldier #3: Also a soldier in the 4th Mechanized Division and a friend of soldier #2. Upon seeing that the army was shelling and attacking residential parts of Hama and shooting unarmed civilians decided to defect and left with soldier #2 from Hama to Idlib province and out of the country.
These three examples are important because they are career soldiers who are in the Republican Guard and the 4th Mechanized Division. These two branches of the military are seen as loyal to the regime and the Assad family. The 4th Mechanized Division is under the command of Maher Assad (younger brother) and the Republican Guard is charged with guarding the city of Damascus and the province. As time goes on, an increase in defections from these two branches of the military will be telling in terms of the military's calculations regarding whether or not they think this regime can survive the current upheaval. Serious collapse of either of these branches of the military leave the regime with only the Mukhabarat and the Shabiha as tools of terror, and just two weeks ago the Shabiha had a protest in Damascus because the regime was behind on their payments to them. Clearly, the internal mechanics of the Syrian military need to be closely watched for indications of a serious change in momentum either for or against the regime.
Breaking News: Large Scale Protests Erupt in Aleppo for the First Time
The city and province of Aleppo has remained relatively quiet for the past 5 months. While many other provinces quickly rose up against the regime, Aleppo's strange mix of a Sunni business elite who have been unwilling to support the opposition, coupled with and a conservative Sunni community, has mostly remained on the sidelines of the revolution. While there have been smaller protests in the city itself, they has been nothing compared to the types of protests seen in cities like Homs or Hama. Today it seems the ice has been broken. Reports are coming in that massive protests are occurring around the province and in Aleppo city itself. Security forces -which have been loathe to use live ammunition against protesters in the past- opened fire on protesters in Saad'Allah square in the city center. It is not known how many people have been killed so far.
News Alert: Latest Human Rights Violations Profile on the Assad Regime Released
The latest report on human rights violations in Syria was released by the International Federation for Human Rights. The report recounts abuses dating from March-July 2011. Please click on the link here for the full PDF file: http://www.fidh.org/Bashar-Al-Assad-Criminal-Against
Inside Source: Nightly Raid Kills One in Village of Ibdeeta, Idlib Province
Continued use of nighttime and early morning assaults on rural areas has led to the death of at least one man in Ibdeeta village, Idlib province. In an early morning attack, Abdo Ahmed Najjar who was apparently just standing next to his house when the assault took place, was gunned down by security forces. It cannot be confirmed at this time if there were any other casualties within the village itself. Two hours before this attack occurred, heavy gunfire could be heard about 1.5 kilometers away from the village. Security forces tend to shoot towards villages at random in the early morning to keep residents from leaving their homes to attend morning prayers and protest afterward. Mr. Najjar was buried this morning. In what has become an all too common tactic, security forces are now consistently using a scorched earth policy of collective punishment against whole provinces the regime deems disloyal to the ruling Assad family and the Baath Party.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Inside Source: Daily Roundup from Around Syria
Today's roundup from around Syria:
Aleppo: Protests took place in Aleppo province in the following areas: Al'Sakhour, Til Rafaut, Salah'Adin, and Saif Al'dowliya. Security forces fired into the air to disperse protesters. Activists report that a special regimen has been put in place where security forces have been ordered not to kill anyone in the province to ensure that protests do not spread in Aleppo province and the city of Aleppo.
Damascus: There were demonstrations after Taraweeh prayers in the following areas in support of the people of Latakia and a demand for the fall of the regime: Al'mezzah, Al'kasout, Al'qaboun, Baghdad Street in the center of the capital, Al'hajar Al'aswaad, Duma, Al'meedan, Barzeh, Moadamieh, Daria, and Al'qadem. The Mukhabarat used bullets and nail bombs against protesters. No word how many people were killed yet.
Deraa: Protests were held in Deraa province in: Al'sanameyeen, Da'ael, Al'harak, Dera'a Al'bilad, and Al'jizaa. In Al'sanameyeen, security forces opened fire on protesters and killed one protester. In the region of Jasim in Deraa province, security forces imposed a curfew and prevented residents from attending Taraweeh prayers to prevent any protests from occurring after prayer services.
Deir Az-Zour: Protest in the city center of Deir Az-Zour, but it was quickly broken up by security services who shot and killed 4 people and wounded dozens of people.
Hama: Protests took place in several neighborhoods in Hama city and around the province demanding the downfall of the regime and in support of the people of Latakia. Areas around the province where there were protests: Jama Al'sarjou'ai, Hee Al'Jaloud, Al'Hadar. Shabiha shot and killed one protester and wounded dozens more. VERY IMPORTANT: Hama is suffering from Humanitarian crisis at this point as security forces have prevented food and supplies from entering the city and have looted what little supplies are left in the city itself. There also seems to be attempts to systematically displace the residents of the city of Hama. Activists report that in Hama that Sunnis, Christians and some other minorities such as the Murashideh, Ismailis and some Alawites all participated in protests today.
Hasakah Province: Demonstrations took place in the city of Qamishli (which is mostly Kurdish and Christian) in support of the people of Latakia and demanding the downfall of the regime. Security forces shot in the air to disperse protesters.
Homs: Protest in Homs province in the following areas: Baba'amur, Bab Saba'a, Al'Khaldeeh, Al'owaar, Al'biadah, Bab Houd, Al'doublan Street, Al'Houlah. Security forces and the Shabiha shot and killed 3 people and wounded scores more. There have been reports of strong explosions from the military academy which is located in the area of Al'owaar. Heavy gunfire and explosions have been heard until now.
Idlib: Security forces continue their operations in the rural parts of Idlib provinces. There is a military buildup at the Syrian-Turkish border, as the regime attempts to totally seal the border and prevent Syrian citizens from either fleeing the country and preventing people from re-entering Syria from the Turkish side as well. Protests occurred in the following areas in support of Latakia and the overthrow of the regime: Ma'araat Al'Numan, Jabal Az'Awiya, Sarqab, and Masraan.
Latakia: The regime's bombardment of the city is in its 4th day, which continued bombardment of the Palestinian neighborhood of Al'Ramal by the Syrian navy. Some houses in the neighborhood have been completely demolished. Snipers are reported to be on the rooftops, killing people randomly and of security forces dumping the dead bodies of resident in dumpsters by the side of the road. A five year old child was reported to have been killed in the city as well. Most people have left this neighborhood and fled to other provinces. 5 people were also killed in the city due to the bombardment. In Latakia province there were several demonstrations in support of the Palestinians in the following area: Al'Salibiyah, Al'Sheikh Dahour and Jabalah.
Inside Source: Night Time Attacks on Villages in Idlib Province Continue
Nighttime attacks in the rural parts of Idlib province continue. A number of villages in the Jabal Az-Awiya region are coming under machine gun and tank fire from security forces. I was on the phone with a friend and could literally hear gunfire over the phone. I am also being told that there is a split in the security forces near one of the villages in this region and a firefight between the two opposing sides is currently in the process. More to follow.....
Human Rights Alert: Palestinians fleeing Latakia City Neighborhood are Shot at by Security Forces at Turkish Border
Because the neighborhood of Ramal in the coastal town of Latakia is being continuously bombarded by the Syrian navy, many of its residents -who are mostly Palestinian- have fled to neighboring towns and provinces. Activists report that some Palestinian residents took a micro-bus from Latakia province to neighboring Idlib province in an attempt to reach the Syrian-Turkish border and enter Turkey. Upon arriving at the border, Syrian forces opened fire on the microbus carrying an unknown number of Palestinian families, wounding most inside the bus. No other information as to their whereabouts or status is available at this time.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Inside Source: Daily Roundup from Around Syria
Everyday I will try and give a wrap-up of the day's news from Syria based on which provinces are experiencing the most violence and protests.
Latakia: The Syrian regime's assault on the coastal city of Latakia continued for a third straight day. Syrian naval vessels have been bombarding the city all day from the Mediterranean sea. Especially hard hit was a Palestinian neighborhood located within the city. The mukhabarat demanded that the people stay in their homes and had them under curfew for one day. There is an expectation that the regime may have used airplanes to bomb Latakia as well. Activists working with the opposition cannot confirm a definitive number of casualties due to interruption to the communications network in Latakia province. It is being reported that senior members of the Alawite community in Latakia have issued a statement that they are not connected to the crimes being perpetrated by the Syrian regime.
Homs: Today 13 people were killed in the city of Homs and dozens more have been wounded. Intelligence services are supposedly arming Alawites around Homs province in an attempt to turn them into Shabiha (civilian mostly Alawite paramilitary group loyal to the regime) and telling them to kill anyone who attempts to come out for the protests.
Hama: in the city of Hama -which is still being occupied by security forces- people in some neighborhoods attempted to protest but were immediately fired upon by security forces. 6 people were killed and dozens were wounded.
Idlib: There were numerous protests around the province. Larger protests were reported in the towns of Sarqab and Ma'arat Al'Nouman. Numerous protests also occurred in the Jabal Az-Awiya region of the province. Heavy tank deployment around the rural areas of the province were also reported.
Deir Az-Zour: In the past two days the security forces that stormed the city have killed over 60 people and have arrested hundreds of young people. It is also being reported that mosques in the city are being demolished as well. Activists had a hard time contacting residents today as the communications network to the city was being completely disrupted.
Damascus: There have been reports of an explosion at the headquarters of the 4th Mechanized Division as well as an explosion at the Al'Mezzeh military airport. Activists suspect that disagreements are breaking out between senior military officers as the revolution enters its 6th month with no signs of abatement.
Inside Source: Protests continue in Idlib Province
Protests continue in the province despite continued attempts at repression by the Syrian regime. Today a protest is taking place in the village of Arnabah in the Jabal Az'Awiya region of Idlib. Activists put the number in attendance around 15,000.
Inside Source: Idlib Province under Occupation by Security Forces
Security forces have escalated their attacks in the province along the Syrian-Turkish border, killing one man and capturing three others attempting to re-enter Syria from the Turkish border. Three additional men were able to escape back across the border. The Syrians were mostly from Idlib, one was a Sheikh from Aleppo.
This is just one of numerous incidents that have occurred at the border, and suggest that the Syrian regime has a duel purpose for preventing people from leaving the country and returning: 1) those who leave, do so with news from inside the country and provide better sourcing for news stories about the situation in Syria which results in unfavourable news coverage of the regime and; 2) preventing Syrians from returning is a preventative measure to keep one less person from participating in the protests and potentially bringing news into the country from the outside world or relaying information from the external Syrian opposition.
After Syrian refugees in Turkey began speaking to the international news media, the regime attempted to seal the border, giving orders to shoot on-site anyone attempting to "illegally" cross the border. Some eight thousand refugees remain on the Turkish side of the border. This is not the first time the province has seen violence. In Idlib City on Friday, July 15th, people attended evening prayers at one of the main mosques in the city. Friday being a big protest day, many who had gathered for prayer were planning on holding a protest shortly after. Upon exiting the mosque, security forces who had gathered in front of the entrance immediately opened fire.
At least one protester was confirmed dead and numerous others were wounded. Everyone retreated back into the mosque, pulling the dead and wounded back in with them. This form of collective punishment has become all too common around the country as the regime attempts to quell the current uprising.
Idlib province is sandwiched between the Turkish border to the West, Aleppo province to the East and Hama province to the South. A hotbed of anti-regime sentiment even before the current revolution, people in this province began protesting very early on -first in support of the city of Deraa and later in general against the regime.
While reporting has focused on the situation in major cities like Homs, Hama and Lattakia, the situation in Idlib province is also very bad. Idlib is a more rural province and therefore may garner less media attention, but Idlib province is strategically important because of its border with Turkey through which defecting soldiers and protesters often exit the country and who bring with them the latest information from inside Syria.
Major protests occurred in the towns of Jisr Al'Shaghour, Ariha, Maarit Al'Nouman and Kafr Nabal. All have been attacked or currently have tanks stationed within or nearby. the region of Jabal Az'Awiya (noted on the map in dark brown) has been especially hard hit. In the past six weeks, whole villages have largely been abandoned due to indiscriminate shelling from tanks. A newer tactic employed by security forces is to shoot in the direction of villages at random to force residents to stay inside and not attend protests.
More updates to follow soon...
Analysis: The Atmosphere in Syria before the Revolution
After I left Syria I wrote an op-ed piece for the Guardian discussing what Syria was like before the protests. In this article, I discuss the story of a good friend of mine, and the ordeal he went through while living under the current regime: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/apr/29/syria-bashar-al-assad
Inside Source: Hama, Still a City under Siege
The situation in the city of Hama is very bad. Following the visit of the Turkish Ambassador to Hama, tanks and security forces re-entered the city and continued its two week siege of the city. It was observed that many houses had been destroyed and numerous buildings and businesses were damaged. People have apparently resorted to burying their dead in their backyards, gardens and public parks rather then risk carrying the bodies to the local cemeteries and being gunned down by the numerous snipers stationed around the city.
A story was told about a woman who left the city to take her young daughter to a hospital in Hama province (many provinces are named after the major city or town in the province) for treatment. In the few days she was away, her son was gunned down by security forces and fellow protesters had to bury him by the side of the road as there was nowhere else to bury him. Most of the hospitals have been closed or are under surveillance by the Mukhabarat (internal security services) who like to kidnap or kill wounded protesters who turn up hospitals for care. For this reason, many protesters forgo care or must be smuggled out the city for care elsewhere, and then taken from the hospital and hidden from security forces.
It was also noted that the regime's security forces are attempting to sow sectarian strife by arming Alawite villages in Hama province and ordering them to fire upon neighboring villages which have generally been Sunni. The city of Hama itself is running out of food, water and baby formula. Internet and telephone service is limited to non-existent, which is why outside groups are having a hard time confirming the city's situation. Some activists put the death toll of the past two weeks at two thousand dead in Hama alone.
A story was told about a woman who left the city to take her young daughter to a hospital in Hama province (many provinces are named after the major city or town in the province) for treatment. In the few days she was away, her son was gunned down by security forces and fellow protesters had to bury him by the side of the road as there was nowhere else to bury him. Most of the hospitals have been closed or are under surveillance by the Mukhabarat (internal security services) who like to kidnap or kill wounded protesters who turn up hospitals for care. For this reason, many protesters forgo care or must be smuggled out the city for care elsewhere, and then taken from the hospital and hidden from security forces.
It was also noted that the regime's security forces are attempting to sow sectarian strife by arming Alawite villages in Hama province and ordering them to fire upon neighboring villages which have generally been Sunni. The city of Hama itself is running out of food, water and baby formula. Internet and telephone service is limited to non-existent, which is why outside groups are having a hard time confirming the city's situation. Some activists put the death toll of the past two weeks at two thousand dead in Hama alone.
About the Blog- The Slide Show
The slide show consists of pictures I took when I was in Syria. For those of you unacquainted with Syria, I wanted to give you a chance to see what a beautiful and rich country it is, and part of the reason why I personally care very much about this place. The other reason is very simple: the people. Syrians are some of the kindest, most caring people I have met. My friends there treated me like family and for that I will be forever grateful to them. While some Syrians are perpetrating some various heinous crimes against the rest of the populace, the vast majority of Syrians are a decent people who truly deserve a better future-inshallah this future will be attainable soon enough.
Introduction
I am not the blogging type. In fact while I was in Syria I chose not to blog at all about my experiences. That being said, the situation in Syria is untenable and I needed a medium through which to report what is happening. To give you some background, I was present in Syria before the start of the revolution and I left the country only after my Arabic program closed. Only a third of the news coming out of Syria is reported. The other two-thirds never gets published due to the way in which journalists in the West source their material. Most Western news organizations do not have the assets necessary to accurately source stories coming out of Syria. In addition, all journalists have been banned from the country (although some journalists sneak in), and so it is hard to get a clear picture of what is going on.
That being said, terrible things are happening in Syria. Protesters who have remained mostly peaceful, brave tanks, bombs and bullets every day to voice their right to freedom. The Syrian regime is using a system of collective punishment against the Syrian populace. People are being shot and killed in the streets for merely being in a city where protests have occurred- one doesn't need to physically attend a protest anymore to become a target. Officially, 2,776 names of the dead have been recorded. Based on discussions with my Syrian friends and other activists, we think the number is as high as five thousand -or more- dead. We do not know the death toll in Hama but some say it could be two thousand dead. Around fifteen thousand people have been arrested- many are subjected to torture. Human rights groups across the world have documented evidence of massive human rights violations across the board.
Still, the West is largely ignorant of what is happening. The purpose of this blog is to change that by giving a voice to all of the stories you do not hear- to bring the personal human toll of this conflict to light so you, the reader, understand why the revolution in Syria is important, and why the international community must get involved. I have a number of stories from the past few weeks to upload so I will try and post as many of those as quickly as possible in the coming days so we can catch up to present news.
That being said, terrible things are happening in Syria. Protesters who have remained mostly peaceful, brave tanks, bombs and bullets every day to voice their right to freedom. The Syrian regime is using a system of collective punishment against the Syrian populace. People are being shot and killed in the streets for merely being in a city where protests have occurred- one doesn't need to physically attend a protest anymore to become a target. Officially, 2,776 names of the dead have been recorded. Based on discussions with my Syrian friends and other activists, we think the number is as high as five thousand -or more- dead. We do not know the death toll in Hama but some say it could be two thousand dead. Around fifteen thousand people have been arrested- many are subjected to torture. Human rights groups across the world have documented evidence of massive human rights violations across the board.
Still, the West is largely ignorant of what is happening. The purpose of this blog is to change that by giving a voice to all of the stories you do not hear- to bring the personal human toll of this conflict to light so you, the reader, understand why the revolution in Syria is important, and why the international community must get involved. I have a number of stories from the past few weeks to upload so I will try and post as many of those as quickly as possible in the coming days so we can catch up to present news.
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