Former Syrian diplomat Noureddine al-Labbad was shot and killed by armed men at his home amid rising violence in Syria, with over 1,300 civilian deaths reported. The interim president has initiated a fact-finding mission to prosecute those responsible for the violence, which has primarily affected the Alawite community. The European Union has called for accountability for the perpetrators of these acts against civilians.
A former Syrian diplomat, Noureddine al-Labbad, was fatally shot by armed assailants at his home in Al-Sanamayn, approximately 50 kilometers south of Damascus. This incident occurred amidst escalating violence that has claimed the lives of over 1,300 civilians along Syria’s Mediterranean coast, a majority of whom belong to the Alawite sect. Al-Labbad, who defected from the regime of Bashar al-Assad in 2013, had recently returned to Syria after working with the Syrian National Coalition in France.
In the aftermath of the attack, security forces imposed a curfew in Al-Sanamayn as cars were set ablaze and grenades detonated. Footage circulated on Telegram reportedly shows the gunmen entering al-Labbad’s residence. The area has witnessed ongoing tribal violence, particularly in the wake of Assad’s removal from power in December, highlighting the pervasive turmoil sweeping through the nation.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 1,383 civilians were killed in the recent spate of violence, attributed largely to executions conducted by government forces and allied groups. This violence predominantly impacted Alawite communities, who fear retaliation for Assad’s harsh rule. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a leader in the opposition, announced a fact-finding mission intended to hold accountable those responsible for the bloodshed.
In response to the violence, the European Union commended the establishment of the committee and called for justice for the victims of the horrific acts committed against civilians. Reports indicated that entire families have been targeted, with armed groups questioning individuals on their sect before executing them. Witness testimonies reflect a climate of intimidation, where towns have been terrorized and residents forcibly removed and killed.
Despite the critical situation, no single group has been identified as solely responsible for the violence. Multiple factions, including those rejecting the new authorities in Damascus, have engaged in these acts. Researchers suggest that a confluence of armed groups—from local factions to international jihadists—contributes to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive accountability process for all involved in these atrocities.
The assassination of former diplomat Noureddine al-Labbad encapsulates the escalating violence in Syria, where over 1,300 civilians have been killed amidst turmoil following Assad’s ouster. The wave of violence is marked by brutal reprisals that predominantly target the Alawite community, inducing widespread fear and calls for justice. As the interim government establishes a fact-finding committee, it underscores the urgency of addressing accountability in the face of multifaceted conflict and human rights violations.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
