The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has documented 217 execution cases carried out by ISIS since May 16 in areas the organization recently seized in the eastern countryside of Homs.
The Observatory claims dozens of civilians including women and children were among the victims, while the rest were pro-regime soldiers and militants. ISIS forces also captured more than 600 pro-regime militants and civilians accused of "loyalty to the regime".
The Observatory confirmed the executions of 67 civilians, including 14 children and 12 women, in as-Sikhne, al-Amiriyah and Palmyra (city) on charges of "dealing with the Alawite regime, and hiding pro-regime militants in their homes". Among the victims were five nurses executed in the city of Palmyra in the eastern countryside of Homs.
The Observatory also verified news on the execution of more than 150 pro-regime soldiers, National Defense militants and a number of civilians on charges of "reporting information to regime forces". Sources have confirmed to SOHR that most of the victims were slaughtered and their heads were removed from their bodies.
The Observatory expects that the 600 pro-regime militants captured on charges of supporting the regime will face a similar fate to the executed captives in the countryside of Homs. The execution of civilians began on May 16, two days after ISIS seized as-Sikhne, while the execution of pro-regime soldiers and militants captured during the recent attack on the region continues.
ISIS now controls as-Sikhne, al-Amiriyah, Jazal, al-Arc, al-Hail fields, in addition to al-Thari station, as-Sawwanah region and the city of Palmyra in the eastern countryside of Homs.
Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer
