TEHRAN – Surveillance groups report that armed groups still target civilians despite the Syrian Ministry of Defense declaring security operations.
The Syrian Human Rights Observatory reported on its website that armed groups continue criminal activities against civilians on Syrian coasts despite previous announcements that the Ministry of Defense has concluded its security operations.
The observatory stated, “An armed group entered the town of Harrison in the countryside of Baniyas with the Ministry of Defense. They began looting, burning homes and destroying civilian property.”
The town was also bombarded with a variety of weapons.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have accused them of “terrifying images of Syrian coasts, with bodies lying on the streets, mourning their loved ones.”
The rights group has called on Damascus authorities to “give independent national and international investigators access to Syria, including Syrian coastal regions, so that they can carry out their own fact-finding work.”
“These horrifying events once again highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive step by Syrian authorities, and emphasize the ensuring the truth, justice and reparation of all victims of Syria’s serious violations,” he added.
Meanwhile, Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch, said “abuse has been reported on an astonishing scale, mainly against Alawites and Syrians in coastal areas and elsewhere in Syria.”
“The actions of the government to protect civilians and to prosecute perpetrators of harmless shootings, summaries and other serious crimes must be prompt and clear,” he added.
Reports show that residents of several villages in the Jablue countryside in southern Latakia have pleaded with public security forces to intervene and protect against killing, lure, arson and destruction.
The Syrian Observatory reported that armed groups, alongside the Ministry of Defense, entered Harrison in the Baniyas countryside, looted, burned homes and destroyed property.
The town was also bombarded with a variety of weapons.
Country residents of Jableh are suing security forces to protect them from ongoing violence, including murder, lures and arson.
The massacre continued despite the Ministry of Defense’s claim that the security operation had ended.
The armed groups reportedly are demanding large sums in US dollars to help residents’ safety.
Reports say the threat to Alawite families near Damascus forced many to flee to Sweeda in the south.
Witnesses describe violence as “systematic crimes” and call for international protection and investigation.
They say the attack is equivalent to ethnic cleansing and is documented with audio and video evidence.
Locals report that many residents are hiding, but some refugees at Hmeimim Airbase in Russia have reported that they have refused to leave without protection.
Violence has exacerbated living conditions as it ceases to food shortages, blackouts, and bakeries’ activities affecting Latakia, Jabre and the surrounding areas.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense has announced the end of the military operation, claiming that public agencies can resume services.
Meanwhile, self-appointed Ahmad al-Sharah warned of attempts to destabilize Syria and ordered an independent investigation into coastal violence.
However, rights groups condemn the leadership of accomplices in atrocities.
Reports suggest that the casualties could be counted in thousands.
The main target, Alawite family, is fleeing to the mountains to escape the murder.
An unverified video appeared on Tuesday, allegedly showing that a senior government commander ordered the massacre and instructed an armed group not to film it.