Syrian Regime Could be Involved in a String of Killings

Massacre in Houla

This Sunday the Syrian government denied having any knowledge and responsibility of the attacks that left more than 90 people dead in a string of villages. The killings fell on “hundreds of heavily armed gunmen” who also attacked soldiers in the area.

Last Friday’s assault on the central area of Houla has become on the bloodiest single events in Syria since the uprising started 15 months ago. This latest attack left dozens of children dead, this has stirred international outrage. The UN informed that 32 children under the age of 10 were among the casualties it also issued a statement appearing to hold the Syrian regime responsible.

The UN Security Council called an emergency session for late Sunday to discuss the killings. Meanwhile diplomats said Russia blocked the statement condemning the killing to the regime.

Activists from Houla said that forces of the regime fired mortar shells to quell a large demonstration. That evening, pro-regime fighters known as shabiha stormed the villages, gunning down men in the streets and stabbing women and children in their homes. (AV)