Former Syrian diplomat Noureddine al-Labbad was shot dead in Al-Sanamayn, alongside his brother, amid rising violence that has resulted in over 1,300 civilian fatalities, predominantly among Alawites. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has initiated a fact-finding mission to pursue justice for the victims. Escalating violence has been reported along Syria’s Mediterranean coast, prompting calls for accountability from the European Union and human rights advocates.
A former Syrian diplomat, Noureddine al-Labbad, who had defected from Bashar al-Assad’s regime, was shot and killed in his home in Al-Sanamayn, southern Syria. The attack, conducted by armed individuals, also claimed the life of Labbad’s brother. Returning to Syria from France only two weeks prior, Labbad had participated in the opposition’s Syrian National Coalition after leaving the foreign ministry in 2013. Following the incident, security forces imposed a curfew in the town in response to escalating violence, including car burnings and grenade usage.
The violence in Syria has led to a grim toll, with reports indicating that at least 1,383 civilians, predominantly Alawites, have died amid a surge of unrest along the Mediterranean coast. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights attributed many of these deaths to executions by security forces and their allied groups. The threat of reprisal killings has intensified since Assad’s ousting, especially towards the Alawite community, creating a climate of fear and insecurity.
Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has initiated a fact-finding mission to investigate the violence and bring the perpetrators to justice. The European Union expressed its support for this endeavor, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding the numerous civilian casualties, including summary killings reported by rights groups. Survivors recounted harrowing tales of families being targeted based on their sectarian identity, resulting in tragic loss of life and a pervasive atmosphere of terror across affected communities.
Various armed factions contributed to the ongoing violence, with fighters from multiple regions joining the operations. Human Rights Watch stated that the accountability for these atrocities must encompass all responsible parties, including the newly formed security forces, as the cycle of violence continues. Observers have noted the involvement of diverse groups, underscoring the complexity of the conflict and the urgency for a cohesive response to prevent further bloodshed.
The assassination of former diplomat Noureddine al-Labbad highlights the escalating violence in Syria, particularly affecting the Alawite community post-Assad. The increasing civilian death toll, now surpassing 1,300, underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s establishment of a fact-finding mission, alongside international support from entities like the European Union, reflects a significant step towards addressing this crisis. It is imperative that all parties involved in the violence be held accountable for their actions.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
