Former Syrian Diplomat Killed Amid Surge in Civilian Deaths in Syria

Former Syrian diplomat Noureddine al-Labbad was shot dead by armed men in his home, amidst escalating violence in Syria that has led to over 1,300 civilian deaths. In reaction, Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has initiated a fact-finding mission to hold accountable those responsible for the violence. The situation highlights severe human rights concerns and the need for accountability from various armed factions involved in recent killings.

A former Syrian diplomat, Noureddine al-Labbad, has been tragically shot dead alongside his brother at their home in Al-Sanamayn, located approximately 50 kilometers south of Damascus. Armed men stormed their residence late Tuesday night, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which noted that Labbad had returned to Syria two weeks prior from France, where he represented the opposition’s Syrian National Coalition. His defection from the Assad regime’s foreign ministry occurred in 2013.

The fatal incident occurs amid a disturbing wave of violence in Syria, with over 1,300 civilians reportedly killed, primarily Alawites, in the recent turmoil affecting the Mediterranean coast. Executions, allegedly carried out by security forces and their allies, have been escalating, with further deaths reported as bodies continue to be discovered in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, as well as in Hama.

In response to these escalating hostilities, Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has pledged to establish a fact-finding mission aimed at prosecuting those responsible for the civilian bloodshed. The European Union has expressed support for this initiative, condemning the atrocities committed against civilians and stressing the need for accountability.

Survivors and witnesses have described the violence as highly alarming, noting the targeting of entire families, including women and children, primarily within Alawite regions. Eyewitness testimony highlights brutal acts where armed groups demanded residents identify their sects before deciding their fate, resulting in horrific executions and mass graves being uncovered.

Human Rights Watch emphasizes no singular group is solely responsible for the violence. Instead, multiple unidentified armed factions and individuals have been implicated, many of whom infiltrated the region following mobilization calls. Numerous armed groups, including those opposed to the Damascus authorities, have contributed to the bloodshed, with reports of fighters from various Syrian regions involved. Accountability is deemed essential for all parties involved in these atrocities according to human rights advocates.

The assassination of former diplomat Noureddine al-Labbad signals the intensifying violence in Syria, with a death toll exceeding 1,300 civilians in recent months. As the Interim President seeks justice through a fact-finding mission, the international community remains vigilant regarding the widespread human rights violations occurring during this tumultuous period. The involvement of multiple armed factions complicates accountability efforts, necessitating a comprehensive approach to addressing these atrocities.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au