U.S. Renews Call for End to Syria’s Brutal Crackdown on Protesters
The U.S. has reaffirmed its call on Syria to immediately halt its crackdown on anti-government protesters.
Recent reports have revealed that Syrian forces are hunting rebels through the countryside near the northern town of Jisr al-Shughour, following taking control of the urban area.
A “scorched earth” strategy is being used by troops, according to eye witness accounts. However, the government has defended its attacks saying they are simply targeting armed groups that have been threatening security forces in the region.
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White House spokesman Jay Carney said: “President [Bashar al-]Assad needs to engage in political dialogue. A transition needs to take place. If President Assad does not lead that transition, then he should step aside.”
State Department spokesman Mark Toner added: “What happened there over the weekend and what continues to occur is absolutely revolting, and we condemn these barbaric acts in the strongest possible terms.”
Widespread reports have indicated that government troops were cutting off and attacking villages in the regions north and east of Jisr al-Shughour.
Disorder in the country is escalating, and on Sunday Syrian refugees that managed to cross the border into Turkey reported that some soldiers had turned on other troops trying to protect civilians in Jisr al-Shughour.
According to AFP one eye-witness reported: “There is now a split within the army and you have a group who are trying to protect the civilians.”
The crackdown on the town of Jisr al-Shughour has come following last week’s alleged killing of 120 security personnel. The government has said it is simply trying to restore order, however, reports have spoken of the harsh brutality being used by government troops.
Syrian refugees fleeing the attacks are gathering at the border with Turkey, and are requesting to cross if government troops advance on them. According to the BBC, thousands of refugees have already been taken in by Turkey, and hundreds more have been stuck at the border for days without any proper shelter or food.
Protests against President Assad began in mid-March, and since then human rights groups have estimated that more than 1,000 have been killed. However, as Syria is not allowing foreign journalists into the country, these reports cannot be confirmed, and the numbers are rumored to be a lot higher.
