Live Blog Update| Syria War
This is an entry from: Live: Over 100,000 bodies found in mass grave near Damascus

Morning recap

13 December 2024 06:00 GMT

The United Nations estimates that more than 1.1 million people have been displaced in Syria since 27 November due to intensifying clashes between al-Assad regime forces and opposition groups.

Key developments:

  • Raqqa shooting: Over 40 people were injured in an incident in Raqqa, a city controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). SDF chief Mazloum Abdi pledged accountability, stating, “any party proven to be involved” would face consequences

  • US charges against Syrian official: The US Justice Department has charged Samir Ousman Alsheikh, a former head of Damascus Central Prison, with torturing detainees. Alsheikh has been in the United States since 2020

  • Call for prosecution in Turkey: Bagimsiz Avukatlar, an independent Turkish lawyers’ association, has filed a criminal complaint with Istanbul prosecutors. The group demands the prosecution of former al-Assad regime officials for alleged crimes committed at Sednaya Prison

  • Opposition push for transitional government: A representative of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces, a Syrian opposition group in exile, has urged the United Nations to play a role in establishing a transitional government for Syria