Observers say killings 'targeted'
(UKPA) – 15 minutes ago
UN observers investigating Syria's latest reported mass killing have said they found signs of a heavy assault that targeted specific homes of regime opponents.
The observers' statement was the first outsiders' look in the village of Tremseh, where activists say dozens were killed this week by government troops. The team said it could not yet confirm the toll.
The observer team said that it found pools of blood and blood splatters in several homes in Tremseh, along with bullet casings. It said the attack "appeared targeted at specific groups and houses, mainly of army defectors and activists".
It said it confirmed an attack took place using artillery, mortars and small arms.
The mission head had said that observers stationed nearby witnessed government tanks and helicopters attacking Tremseh.
Running tolls ranged from 103 to 152, including dozens of bodies buried in neighbouring villages or burned beyond recognition. Activists expect the number to rise since hundreds of residents remain unaccounted for, and locals believe bodies remained in nearby fields or were thrown into the Orontes River.
The Tremseh violence appeared to be one of the bloodiest events in the now 16-month uprising against President Bashar Assad, in which activists say more than 17,000 people have been killed.
The new deaths brought intensified international condemnation of his regime, and the Turkish prime minister added his voice to the chorus.
"These vicious massacres, these attempts at genocide, these inhuman savageries are nothing but the footsteps of a regime that is on its way out," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. "Sooner or later, these tyrants with blood on their hands will go and the people of Syria will in the end make them pay."
The Britain-based opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 62 people were killed across Syria in new violence on Saturday, including at least 14 government soldiers.
Copyright © 2012 The Press Association. All rights reserved.
(UKPA) – 15 minutes ago
UN observers investigating Syria's latest reported mass killing have said they found signs of a heavy assault that targeted specific homes of regime opponents.
The observers' statement was the first outsiders' look in the village of Tremseh, where activists say dozens were killed this week by government troops. The team said it could not yet confirm the toll.
The observer team said that it found pools of blood and blood splatters in several homes in Tremseh, along with bullet casings. It said the attack "appeared targeted at specific groups and houses, mainly of army defectors and activists".
It said it confirmed an attack took place using artillery, mortars and small arms.
The mission head had said that observers stationed nearby witnessed government tanks and helicopters attacking Tremseh.
Running tolls ranged from 103 to 152, including dozens of bodies buried in neighbouring villages or burned beyond recognition. Activists expect the number to rise since hundreds of residents remain unaccounted for, and locals believe bodies remained in nearby fields or were thrown into the Orontes River.
The Tremseh violence appeared to be one of the bloodiest events in the now 16-month uprising against President Bashar Assad, in which activists say more than 17,000 people have been killed.
The new deaths brought intensified international condemnation of his regime, and the Turkish prime minister added his voice to the chorus.
"These vicious massacres, these attempts at genocide, these inhuman savageries are nothing but the footsteps of a regime that is on its way out," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. "Sooner or later, these tyrants with blood on their hands will go and the people of Syria will in the end make them pay."
The Britain-based opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 62 people were killed across Syria in new violence on Saturday, including at least 14 government soldiers.
Copyright © 2012 The Press Association. All rights reserved.