Syrians call for protection amid surge in kidnappings
Homs has seen a surge in kidnappings and extrajudicial killings, La Croix International reported on March 8th.
Homs, a significant city in central Syria, has seen at least 64 kidnappings and executions since Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow. Alawites, a religious minority associated with the Assad family, make up the majority of the dead.
“We estimate that around 100 kidnappings have occurred, but many families stay silent, hoping for a ransom demand. All communities are affected, though Alawites remain the primary targets,” the local NGO said.
Residents of Homs, the first significant Syrian city to rebel against Assad in April 2011, suffered greatly as a result. Many survivors have strong animosity against people they perceive to be complicit in the bombings of large Sunni neighbourhoods by regime forces.
La Croix International
