Rights watchdog accuses Syrian opposition of war crimes
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 11 October 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Rights watchdog accuses Syrian opposition of war crimes, 11 October 2013, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/526104a111.html [accessed 18 December 2015] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 11, 2013
By RFE/RL
The report says two opposition groups that took part in the offensive are still holding the hostages, mostly women and children.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Syrian armed opposition groups of unlawful killings, hostage takings, and other abuses during a military offensive against pro-government Alawite villages in the Latakia Province.
In a report on October 11, the New York-based watchdog said opposition fighters had killed at least 190 civilians and seized more than 200 as hostages during the operation, which began on August 4.
The report said two opposition groups that took part in the offensive – the Islamic State of Iraq and Sham, and Jaish al-Muhajireen wal-Ansar – were still holding the hostages, mostly women and children.
HRW said the abuses rose to "the level of war crimes and crimes against humanity" and called the operation a "coordinated, planned attack."
HRW said it had conducted on-site investigations and interviews for the report.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
