UN: Traimseh attacks target defectors,activists

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, July 15, 2012
Adjust font size:

UN observers entered the carnage- hit central village of al-Traimseh in Syria on Saturday to verify reports of a military operation on the poor village, UN supervision mission spokesperson said, adding that the attacks targeted mainly army defectors and activists.

The attack on Traimseh appeared targeted at specific groups and houses, mainly of army defectors and activists, Sausan Ghosheh said, adding that "there were pools of blood and blood spatters in rooms of several homes together with bullet cases."

Ghosheh said the UN team also observed a burned school and damaged houses with signs of internal burning in five of them.

A wide range of weapons were used, including artillery, mortars and small arms, she said.

However, she said, the number of casualties is still unclear, adding that the UN team plans to go back into Traimseh tomorrow to continue their fact finding mission.

The head of the UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS), Major General Robert Mood, announced on Friday in a press conference that the mission stands ready to send its observers to Traimseh, despite the mission's suspension of activities, if and when there is a ceasefire.

Ghosheh said the UNSMIS received information that a ceasefire was in place on Friday and immediately conducted a reconnaissance patrol in the area to assess access to the village and establish contacts with local parties.

An 11-vehicle integrated patrol, comprised of specialized military and civilian observers, arrived in Traimseh, 25km northwest of the city of Hama, on Saturday after confirming that a ceasefire was in place, she said.

Ghosheh said the UNSMIS is deeply concerned about the escalating level of violence in Syria and calls on the government to cease the use of heavy weapons on population centers, as well as urging the parties to put down their weapons and choose the path of non-violence for the welfare of the Syrian people who have suffered enough.

On Thursday, scores of people in Traimseh got killed in a carnage, while the circumstances were murky as both the government and the opposition have been trading accusations.

The massacre sparked international condemnation and prompted super powers to call for a UN resolution that urges the Syrian government to pull out troops and heavy weapons from populated areas within 10 days otherwise Syria would face sanctions.

However, the resolution is demanded to be adopted under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which would allow the resolution to be imposed militarily. Russia has expressed opposition to the new resolution.

 

Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter