Gulf states on Saturday called for an “immediate halt to violence and bloodshed” in Syria after security forces killed at least 24 civilians in the latest round of anti-government protests.
The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also expressed concern over the “increasing violence and the excessive use of force which resulted in killing and wounding large numbers.”
The GCC called for “resorting to wisdom, and implementing serious and necessary reforms that preserve the rights of the Syrian people, and meet their aspirations.”
At least 24 civilians were killed on Friday by security and army troops in demonstrations in several parts of Syria.
Genocide
An army defector claimed in remarks published on Saturday that troops had been ordered to commit genocide in the flashpoint southern city of Daraa.
“I and other (army) officers received orders from our commanders to carry out a genocidal operation in Daraa and were told not to spare the lives of women and children,” Ahmed Khalef, a former officer in an elite army unit, told the pan-Arab newspaper Asharq Al Awsat.
Khalef, who said he had served in the army for 10 years, added that he had refused to obey the orders.
“This was a sufficient reason for issuing an order to physically liquidate me,” said Khalef, who fled the country.
Khalef estimated that around 4 500 army personnel had defected in the Syrian capital alone.
The paper said it would not disclose the whereabouts of the defector, at his request, for fear of reprisal.
More than 1 650 people and around 350 security personnel have been killed since pro-democracy protests against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad began in mid-March, local human rights advocates say.
These reports cannot be independently verified, as the Syrian authorities have barred most foreign media and international human rights from the country.
Fire after prayers
The Guardian reported troops opened fire on crowds of demonstrators after Friday prayers, killing at least 10 people amid mounting international condemnation of the brutal tactics deployed by Assad’s forces in the five-month uprising.
In Hama, tanks resumed shelling of residential districts around 4.00am, as people were beginning their fast for Ramadan, a resident said.
State-run Syrian TV released footage from inside Hama for the first time, showing widespread devastation on the streets. Scenes of burned-out buildings, barricaded roads and damaged cars suggest the battles have been far more intense than the regime has previously admitted. With journalists unable to operate freely in Syria it is not possible to verify claims by activists that 200 people have been killed by military shelling and sniping in the city during the last six days.
The official news agency Sana claimed troops were fighting terrorist saboteurs. “Syrian Arab army units are working to restore security, stability and normal life to Hama after armed terrorist groups perpetrated acts of sabotage and killing,” Sana reported.
In YouTube footage purporting to come from protesters in Hama, heavy gunfire can be heard amid improvised road blocks in the street with a tank in the background. A voice says: “Hama, 5 August 2011, severe artillery shooting in Hama … tanks incursion of Hama … gangs of Bashar al-Assad are shooting Hama neighbourhoods.” The date and name of the city are repeated.
Even Russia has sought to distance itself from the regime. The Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev, said on Thursday he had warned Assad that he will face a “sad fate” if he fails to introduce reforms and open a dialogue with the opposition.
“This is very significant,” said Jouejati. “The Assad regime is even losing its international friends. ” Russia was the beacon of support for Syria in the UN Security Council, not willing to condemn for a long time, but even [they] are coming around.” —