UN Reports Disturbing Sectarian Killings of Families in Syria

The U.N. reports horrifying sectarian killings in Syria, where entire families, including women and children, have been murdered by the military. Amid pressure for investigations, the U.N. has confirmed 111 civilian deaths, anticipated to be underreported, and called for an impartial inquiry into the violence.

The U.N. human rights office has reported that entire families, including women and children, have been killed in Syria’s coastal region during a military crackdown. This violence is characterized as sectarian killings directed by the Syrian army against those opposing President Bashar al-Assad. Reports indicate a significant rise in pressure on the government to conduct investigations following the deaths of hundreds of civilians in predominantly Alawite villages.

Spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan noted that in particularly alarming cases, families were decimated with specific targeting of Alawite cities and villages. To date, the U.N. has documented at least 111 civilian deaths, with expectations that the actual figure may be considerably higher. The casualty breakdown includes 90 men, 18 women, and three children.

Furthermore, many of these deaths have been categorized as summary executions, executed on a sectarian basis. Al-Kheetan recounted accounts of men being shot in front of their family members, highlighting the brutality witnessed by survivors. In light of these reports, U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk has endorsed the formation of an accountability committee by the Syrian government and emphasized the need for independent investigations.

The situation in Syria remains dire, with alarming reports of sectarian violence leading to the deaths of entire families. The U.N. has underscored the urgent need for accountability and thorough investigations by the Syrian government into these atrocities. Continued international scrutiny may be crucial for addressing the violence and protecting vulnerable populations in the region.

Original Source: www.usnews.com