A human rights organization based in the Kurdistan Region has revealed a brutal mass killing in northern Syria. The group reported that armed soldiers attacked a Kurdish family while they attempted to flee violence.
According to the organization, the family traveled from Raqqa toward Hasakah using a cargo vehicle. However, armed men stopped them near the village of Abu Khashab. The attackers belonged to the Syrian Arab Army, the group said.
After questioning the family, the gunmen discovered their Kurdish identity. Consequently, the commander ordered their execution, witnesses reported. First, the attackers killed Mohammad Ismaili, the father. Then, they executed Sara Shahini, the mother. Both victims had their hands tied.
Next, the soldiers opened fire on the remaining family members. As a result, four more people died. Two of the victims were children. Meanwhile, the attackers stabbed Leila, a 17-year-old girl, and mutilated her face. They also gouged out Mahmoud’s right eye and carved a security emblem into his chest.
Moreover, the gunmen threw six wounded children and young adults into the Deir ez-Zor desert. Later, civilians transported the survivors to a hospital. However, doctors denied them proper treatment, according to testimony. One doctor allegedly insulted the victims instead of helping them.
Furthermore, officials have not buried the victims. Their bodies reportedly remain inside the hospital morgue. Family members and activists continue to demand accountability and justice.
Additionally, the organization released video evidence documenting the crime. The footage includes statements from survivors and visual proof of injuries. Leaders called the incident a war crime and a targeted ethnic killing.
Finally, Kurdish activists urged international organizations to investigate the massacre. They stressed the need to protect civilians fleeing conflict zones across Syria.