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NIGHT OF THE GENERALS : Paul Conroy describes "pure, systematic slaughter of civilians"
03-Mar-2012
The bombardment of Homs will be judged by history as a massacre comparable to Rwanda or Srebrenica, says a British photographer injured in the attacks. (Also read : 'The enforcer' who heads Syria’s dreaded army division (France 24))
Paul Conroy:describes 'slaughterhouse' in Homs will be the next Srebrenica or Rwanda:
Paul Conroy::Homs is comparable to Srebrenica or Rwanda:
Paul Conroy on CNN with Anderson Cooper:
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CORROBORATED EVIDENCE OF MAN SLAUGHTER
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Marie Colvin last report:
Journalist Marie Colvin in one of her last reports from Syria. She was a great journalist and an amazing person. Killed while covering the plight of the people of Homs Syria.
A Syrian activist says the fighting will not stop until either Assad is gone or the activists are all dead.
Paul Conroy: Homs comparable to Srebrenica and Rwanda (bbc)
The bombardment of Homs will be judged by history as a massacre comparable to Rwanda or Srebrenica, says a British photographer injured in the attacks.Paul Conroy, 47, told BBC's Newsnight he had witnessed "a systematic slaughter of the civilian population".
In all his experience of war zones, he had never seen anything on this level, he said, and in 10 years, the world would be "wringing its hands" in shame.
Journalist Marie Colvin, killed in the shelling, was "the best of the best".
"I don't know anyone who had her tenacity and bravery," he said of his Sunday Times colleague.
Mr Conroy, who was smuggled to Lebanon by Syrian rebels, paid tribute to the "heroes" who helped him escape, but he feared for their safety and for all the Syrian people.
"We left behind what I fear is going to be the next Rwanda, the next Srebrenica."
The bombing of Baba Amr - the rebel district of Homs which has received the brunt of the Syrian authorities' attacks - is indiscriminate, he said.
"There are no military targets, it's pure and systematic slaughter of a civilian population. The only reason those shells are going in are to eliminate the people and buildings of Baba Amr."
Conroy spent days stranded in Baba Amr with shrapnel wounds picked up in a rocket attack that killed Colvin and French journalist Remi Ochlik.
Speaking from his hospital bed in London, Conroy described conditions in Homs as catastrophic, with people living in "bombed-out wrecks" and "waiting to die".
The next phase in the conflict will not be televised but it will happen, he said.
Urging the international community to act, he said that when Baba Amr fell, the regime would turn to other areas.
"When Baba Amr is finished, and I think it's almost there now, we've watched it happen, they're going to move on, they're going to move into the countryside, the towns and there will be no witnesses," he said.
"Women, children, old men, young people will just cease to exist, they will cease to exist and in 10 years we will have an investigation and people will say 'how did this happen?'"
Conroy, originally from Liverpool but now living in Devon, said the moment his building was hit was "was traumatic, instant chaos".
"A few shells had hit the house and the final shell that killed Marie and Remi, my friend, everything went black, I felt a huge pressure in my leg... I realised it was bad, stuck a tourniquet on and essentially tried to crawl out the house where I found Marie."
He said they were taken to a field hospital which was "a living room and a kitchen table essentially," where doctors had limited supplies.
The building was taking direct hits in intense shelling which lasted 14 hours a day, he said.
"It was intense to start with but as the week went on we were living minute-by-minute in that room, literally you could hear the shells coming in.
"We also had the medics coming in saying 'We've just lost another 10 men, another five children,' so while we were in this situation we were getting daily, hourly, minute-by-minute reports of the slaughter outside, which was quite un-nerving."
Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross said it had received the bodies of Colvin and Ochlik, and taken them to Damascus.
The Red Cross said on Saturday it will try again to be allowed access to the devastated Baba Amr district of the Syrian city of Homs, after being blocked on Friday.
It said it was "unacceptable" that its seven-lorry convoy had been stopped.
There have been reports of revenge killings and summary executions by Syrian forces since rebel fighters pulled out of Baba Amr on Thursday.How many have died?
- Uprising began a year ago with peaceful protests
- UN estimates more than 7,500 people killed
- Syria says at least 1,345 members of the security forces have been killed
- It puts the number of civilians killed at 2,493
More Here :
Syria toll passes 7,500, UN says (bbc)
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THE NIGHT OF THE SYRIAN GENERALS
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Recommended Reading:As head of the Syrian Army’s elite Fourth Division, Maher al-Assad (left) has a reputation for ruthlessness. He's also President Bashar al-Assad's (right) younger brother - and in Syria, presidential younger brothers often play the heavy.
'The enforcer' who heads Syria’s dreaded army division (France 24)The Night of the Generals:
Homs’ Long Night of the Generals Has Indeed Only Just Begun …
Related Blog:
WANTED: Did Nazi Criminal Alois Brunner train Syria’s Security Forces ?
Other Related Blogs on Syria :
Syrian Protestors Burn IRI Flag
NIAC Ambassador Majid Rafizadeh: Appeasement with Iran But Sanctions & intervention on Syria?
IN DENIAL: Barbara Walters' Interview with Syria's President Bashar al-Assad
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7 Syrian generals defect to Turkey
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Nov 06, 2012 04:05 PM PST7 Syrian generals defect to Turkey (cnn)
(CNN) -- Britain's prime minister has raised the issue of giving Syrian President Bashar al-Assad "safe passage" out of his war-torn country if it could lead to real change.
"Done. Anything, anything, to get that man out of the country and to have a safe transition in Syria," David Cameron told Al-Arabiya TV in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in an interview aired Tuesday.
"Of course I would favor him facing the full force of international law and justice for what he's done. I am certainly not offering him an exit plan to Britain, but if he wants to leave, he could leave; that could be arranged," Cameron said.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Syrian general 'killed by rebels'
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Oct 30, 2012 05:04 PM PDTSyrian general 'killed by rebels' (bbc)
A senior Syrian air force general has been shot dead by rebels in a suburb of the capital Damascus, state television reports.
Syrian novelist pens horrors
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Sep 17, 2012 01:59 PM PDTSyrian novelist pens horrors (cnn)
TORY HIGHLIGHTS
Prominent Syrian defector opposes foreign intervention
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Sep 11, 2012 01:24 AM PDTProminent Syrian defector opposes foreign intervention (France 24)
Manaf Tlas, one of the most senior figures in Syrian President Bashir al-Assad’s government to defect, said Monday he opposed foreign intervention in the country, claiming that it would not be able to bring down the government.Syria defector Tlas hints France intelligence aided escape
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Sep 10, 2012 11:41 AM PDTFrance 'helped Syria defection' (bbc)
Manaf Tlas, a Syrian general who defected in July, hints that French intelligence agencies helped him escape.
Who is still in Assad's inner circle?
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Aug 30, 2012 09:57 AM PDTWho is still in Assad's inner circle? (bbc, VIDEO)
It is increasingly rare for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to appear on television, so the interview he gave on Wednesday to a pro-government television channel based in Damascus is being closely scrutinised.
Mr Assad remained defiant, and dismissed a series of defections from his government as "weak elements".
The BBC's Emily Buchanan has been taking a look at what is left of the president's "inner circle".
Professor Rosemary Hollis, a Middle East expert, said they were probably all watching each other.
UN blames Syria for Houla deaths
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Aug 15, 2012 08:01 AM PDTUN blames Syria for Houla deaths (bbc)
Syrian troops and militia were behind the massacre of 108 people in the town of Houla on 25 May, UN investigators have found.
Syrian troops and militia were behind the Houla massacre of 108 people in May, UN investigators have found.
The massacre was considered one of the worst attacks on civilians since the start of the uprising in March 2011.
An inquiry appointed by the UN Human Rights Council has said war crimes have been carried out by both opposition groups and government forces.
It alleges that systematic violations have been authorised at the highest levels of the Syrian government.Tracking the Assad defectors
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Aug 06, 2012 03:56 PM PDTTracking the Assad defectors (bbc)
Syrian Prime Minister Riad Hijab is the latest significant figure to defect from Bashar al-Assad's embattled regime.
Mr Hijab's departure follows the defection of a number of diplomatic staff, notably Syria's ambassador to Iraq, and other military figures.
Three top-level military advisers were also killed in a bomb attack on the National Security Headquarters in Damascus in July. We examine the effects these defections and deaths may have on President Assad.
Syria President's inner circle
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Aug 06, 2012 03:43 PM PDTPresident's inner circle (bbc)
Although Bashar al-Assad inherited Syria's presidency on his father's death in 2000, analysts say he does not have Hafez al-Assad's absolute grip on power. He is surrounded by military and intelligence figures, most of whom are either related to the president or are members of his minority Alawite community.
Syria army renews Aleppo assault
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Jul 27, 2012 01:58 AM PDTSyria army renews Aleppo assault (bbc)
Government forces resume their attacks on Syria's northern city of Aleppo, as the US says it fears there could be a massacre there
Palmyra: once a tourist hotspot, now full of tanks
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Jul 27, 2012 12:10 AM PDTPalmyra: once a tourist hotspot, now full of tanks (france 24)
With Syria’s bloody uprising in its sixteenth month, towns that were once tourist magnets are suffering from a shortage of visitors. A hotel owner and an opposition activist in the city of Palmyra, which was a must-see for tourists travelling around Syria before the conflict began, describe how their city has changed. Palmyra is an oasis in the desert. Located 210 kilometres to the northeast of Damascus, in Homs Province, it is home to about 100,000 people. The city’s main attraction is its Greco-Roman ruins, which date back to the first and second centuries. These were declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1980.
However, as the Syrian conflict has escalated, foreign nations – both Western and Arabic – have closed their embassies in Damascus and asked their citizens to refrain from travelling to Syria. When the tourist flow dried up, opposition activists started taking to the streets of Palmyra. In the past few months, these activists have posted numerous videos on YouTube showing a massive presence of army soldiers patrolling the city.
Conflict threatens Syria's archaeological heritage
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Jul 27, 2012 12:06 AM PDTConflict threatens Syria's archaeological heritage (france 24)
With its ancient fortresses, castles, mosques and markets, Syria bears the imprint of millennia of Middle Eastern history. But the current uprising is threatening some of the world’s most valuable heritage sites.
The Crac des Chevaliers, Syria's best preserved castle from the Crusades of the Middle Ages, is once again providing shelter for armed forces. The Free Syria Army have been holed up in and around the hilltop the fortress for over a year as they resist the advance of forces loyal the President Assad. An exclusive AFPTV report. Contains graphic images.
Syria conflict: US fears Aleppo 'massacre'
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jul 26, 2012 11:58 PM PDTUS fears for 'massacre' in Aleppo (bbc)
(bbc)
The US says it fears Syrian forces are preparing to carry out a massacre in the country's most populous city, Aleppo, as troops encircle it.
Syria conflict: Troops 'mass before Aleppo battle'
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jul 26, 2012 11:40 AM PDTSyrian troops 'mass near Aleppo' (bbc)
Syrian rebels prepare for a major battle in Aleppo, as government forces are said to be encircling the city and awaiting reinforcements.
Ian Pannell: Why the Battle of Aleppo is Crucial to both sides
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jul 26, 2012 12:33 AM PDTIan Pannell
BBC News, Syria
The battle for Aleppo is now raging and it is one neither side can afford to lose. The historic city is not only the largest in the country but its economic heart. The government derives material support from its merchant class and vital industries that supply the rest of the country.
The stakes could not be higher. For the armed opposition, losing would be a disastrous setback that, at the very least, could neuter their revolution for months. For President Bashar al-Assad, losing Aleppo could be the tipping point that presages the downfall of his government.
Despite their confidence and commitment, the rebels remain vastly outgunned and - with reinforcements from the army - outmanned, and it is hard to see how they can prevail. But many people here are desperate for the rebels to succeed.
Syrian diplomats 'defect' as Aleppo fighting worsens
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Jul 25, 2012 11:39 PM PDTDefections as Syria clashes rage (bbc)
The US confirms the defection of two more high-level Syrian diplomats, as fighting in the key commercial hub of Aleppo intensifies.
Syria crisis: Amateur film 'shows Damascus bloodbath'
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Jul 25, 2012 10:51 AM PDTAmateur film 'shows bloodbath' (bbc, VIDEO)
This video contains graphic images of the victims of Syria's conflict
Government forces have largely repelled a rebel assault on Damascus, with unverified amateur footage appearing to show the bloody aftermath.
A sustained assault by rebels earlier this month on the capital has seen a dramatic upsurge in violence there.
The BBC's Jim Muir reports from neighbouring Beirut.
Military gains reported in al-Assad's backyard
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Jul 25, 2012 12:50 AM PDTMilitary gains reported in al-Assad's backyard (ccn)
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Faces of the Free Syrian Army
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Jul 25, 2012 12:48 AM PDTFaces of the Free Syrian Army (cnn, VIDEO)
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Syria soldiers 'head for Aleppo'
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Jul 25, 2012 12:34 AM PDTSyria soldiers 'head for Aleppo' (bbc)
Thousands of government troops stationed on Syria's border with Turkey are heading to Aleppo to join in fighting in the city, activists say
Battle for Aleppo: Syrians react
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Jul 24, 2012 04:17 PM PDTBattle for Aleppo: Syrians react (bbc)
The battles for control of the Syrian capital, Damascus, and the second largest city of Aleppo have reached their second week.
Fighting between the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and Syrian government forces intensified in these two key cities after a suicide bomb attack killed three members of the Syrian president's defence team last week in Damascus.
Syrians in Aleppo have been speaking to the BBC about the continued fighting and how it has affected the lives of people there.
With the rebels in Aleppo
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Jul 24, 2012 04:14 PM PDTWith the rebels in AleppoWatch (bbc)
Fighter jets have bombed eastern areas of Syria's second city Aleppo, the attack is being seen as a significant escalation in the conflict.
It comes as the government attempts to take back districts of Syria's commercial centre seized by rebels
The rebels launched an offensive against Aleppo at the weekend in an attempt to take the city from government forces
The BBC's Ian Pannell joined a convoy to Aleppo.
This video contains images of the casualties of the conflict in Syria
Syrian troops hit back in Aleppo
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Jul 24, 2012 04:12 PM PDTSyrian troops hit back in Aleppo (bbc)
The BBC's Ian Pannell travelled with a convoy of rebels to Aleppo
Syrian pro-government forces launch a counter-attack after rebels seize parts of Aleppo, and a former Assad aide confirms he has defected.
DK there are more than 20,000 rebels fighting in Aleppo
by amirparvizforsecularmonarchy on Tue Jul 24, 2012 12:00 PM PDTDistrict by District the Assad Forces have been fought out of Aleppo, by rebels which have taken on high casualties for it. Since Aleppo seems to be held by the rebels, Assad will fall very soon afterwards. Remains to be seen if this bares any consequence for the rule of anti-secular forces in power in Iran.
Aleppo: Syria's second city
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Jul 24, 2012 11:36 AM PDTAleppo: Syria's second city (bbc)
Aleppo, which has seen fierce clashes between rebels and Syrian government forces, is Syria's largest city and is the country's industrial and financial centre.
Its population of two million is made up mainly of Sunni Muslims, most of whom are Arabs but some of whom are Kurds. It also has the largest population of Christians in the country, and along with a mix of other religious and ethnic communities, the city's demographics largely mirror those of the country as a whole.
Inside Syria with rebel fighters
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Jul 24, 2012 10:21 AM PDTInside Syria with rebel fighters (bbc)
The BBC's Ian Pannell has travelled to the outskirts of Syria's second city of Aleppo with "hundreds, maybe a thousand" rebels, as the battle for control of the city intensifies.
He said that the rebels "feel that they have the initiative, but the truth is they are overwhelmed".Warplanes hit Syria's second city of Aleppo
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Jul 24, 2012 10:18 AM PDTWarplanes hit Syria's second city (bbc)
Fighter jets have bombed eastern areas of Syria's second city of Aleppo, a BBC reporter nearby says, in a significant escalation of the conflict.
Fears grow for fate of Syria's chemical weapons
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Jul 23, 2012 02:14 PM PDTChemical weapons fears (bbc)
By Jonathan Marcus
BBC Defence & Diplomatic Correspondent
Syria's significant stockpile of chemical weapons adds a frightening additional element to the crisis that threatens to engulf the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
There are growing concerns - shared both in neighbouring countries and among key western governments - about the security of these weapons should the regime fall.
There are even persistent reports in the US that preparations are being made to secure such stocks in the event of a regime meltdown.
One aspect of the problem is the scale and scope of Syria's chemical weapons programme.
'Time to end Syrian regime,' say rebels near Damascus
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Jul 23, 2012 02:07 AM PDTAssad offered 'safe exit' if he resigns as violence escalates
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Jul 22, 2012 10:55 PM PDTAssad offered 'safe exit' if he resigns as violence escalates (cnn)
After an emergency five-hour meeting in Qatar, a senior Arab League official says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will be offered "a safe exit" if he resigns swiftly.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS