Syrian rebels ‘executed civilians’ in Latakia

A Human Rights Watch (HRW) investigation claims there were executions and indiscriminate shootings in the Latakia countryside, and that hostages are still being held by the Islamic state of Iraq and Sham (Isis) and Jaish al-Muhajireen wal-Ansar.

The group visited five villages after a rebel offensive in August, interviewing relatives of people missing of wounded in the attack as well as opposition figures not involved in the attack.

A report released today states that 190 civilians were killed, including 57 women and 18 children along with 14 elderly men.

“The evidence collected strongly suggests they were killed on the first day of the operation, 4 August,” the report states.

“Given that many residents remain missing, and opposition fighters buried many bodies in mass graves, the total number of dead is likely higher.

“Human Rights Watch has documented that opposition forces executed or unlawfully killed at least 67 of these 190 civilians even though they were unarmed and trying to flee.”

channel4