A former Syrian diplomat, Noureddine al-Labbad, was shot dead in Al-Sanamayn, coinciding with over 1,300 civilian deaths in recent violence, predominantly among Alawites. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has started a fact-finding mission to address civilian bloodshed, with broad implications for accountability amidst the ongoing upheaval in Syria.
A former Syrian diplomat who previously served under the regime of toppled President Bashar al-Assad was tragically shot dead in a violent home invasion in Al-Sanamayn, approximately 50 kilometers south of Damascus. The attack occurred on a Tuesday night, where armed individuals entered the diplomat’s residence and opened fire, resulting in the death of Noureddine al-Labbad and his brother. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Labbad had recently returned to Syria from France after defecting from the foreign ministry in 2013.
Following the attack, Syrian security forces enforced a curfew in Al-Sanamayn as disturbances erupted, including vehicles being set ablaze and explosive devices being used. By morning, the curfew was lifted, allowing normalcy to gradually return to the area. Videos circulated on social media depicted the assault, although specific details about the motives behind the attack remain unclear amidst ongoing tribal conflicts and violence.
Labbad’s death coincides with a broader surge in violence across Syria’s Mediterranean coast, where at least 1,383 civilians, predominantly from the Alawite sect, have lost their lives. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights attributed these deaths to executions ordered by security forces and their allied groups, highlighting an escalating death toll linked to ongoing unrest since Assad’s ousting.
In response to the violence, Ahmad al-Sharaa, currently serving as Interim President and head of the group that temporarily overthrew Assad, has initiated a fact-finding mission intended to seek accountability for the civilian deaths. This initiative has been welcomed by the European Union, which has urged the prosecution of those responsible for the violence.
Survivors and witnesses of the violence have recounted harrowing testimonies about targeted killings, wherein victims were identified based on their sectarian affiliations. UN human rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan noted the horrifying trend of entire families being executed, highlighting the fear and distress experienced by communities, particularly among Alawite populations.
Furthermore, human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch have indicated that multiple armed factions have participated in the atrocities, complicating the accountability landscape. Experts suggest that both local and foreign fighters are now operating within Syria, further exacerbated by ongoing calls for military mobilization. Calls for justice are growing louder as the region grapples with a complex cycle of violence.
In summary, the recent assassination of former diplomat Noureddine al-Labbad and the rise in violence resulting in over 1,300 civilian deaths highlight the ongoing turmoil in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The call for accountability by Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa reflects a broader yearning for justice amidst a deeply fractured society. Human rights organizations emphasize the need for an inclusive approach to accountability, pointing out that numerous factions are involved in the ongoing violence against civilians.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
