Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). UNICEF said the conflict is now concentrated in the Kordofan, Darfur and Blue Nile regions, where drone warfare accounts for about 60% of reported casualties involving children.

The latest warning comes as the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom and other governments have expressed growing concern over reports of possible atrocities as the Sudanese military and the RSF battle for control of the strategic city of El-Obeid in North Kordofan.

On Monday, the U.N.-backed Human Rights Council in Geneva approved a resolution introduced by five European countries condemning the escalating violence by the RSF and its allied forces in and around El-Obeid.

The measure, adopted without a vote, also called for increased support for countries hosting Sudanese refugees and condemned “all forms of external interference” in the conflict.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The war has killed at least 59,000 people, displaced approximately 13 million and pushed large areas of Sudan into famine, according to humanitarian agencies.

More than 30 million people now require humanitarian assistance.

UNICEF said drone strikes and shelling have repeatedly targeted civilian infrastructure, including schools, markets, fuel depots and water facilities, placing more than 500,000 people at risk. In several communities, civilians have endured conditions resembling prolonged sieges for more than a year.

“Children are being caught in a relentless cycle of violence, displacement and deprivation,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF’s representative for Sudan.

The United Nations urged all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and take all possible measures to protect children from harm.

Gold Mine Collapse Kills Informal Miners

In a separate incident on Monday, at least 15 informal miners were killed after part of an abandoned gold mine collapsed near Wadi Halfa, close to Sudan’s border with Egypt, authorities said.

One additional miner was injured in the collapse at the Mohamed Taqfiq mine, according to the state-run Sudanese Mineral Resources Company.

The company said miners had resumed operations at the site despite authorities previously closing it because of safety concerns.

Sudan remains one of Africa’s leading gold producers, with official figures showing production reached 70 tons last year, up from 64 tons in 2024.

Most of the country’s gold is extracted through artisanal and small-scale mining, where safety regulations are often poorly enforced.

Fatal mine accidents occur frequently. In May, at least seven miners died in a collapse in Red Sea State, while another 13 were killed in South Kordofan in January.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press. 

Topics: Sudan | UNICEF | Children | Humanitarian Crisis | Rapid Support Forces | Civil War | Gold Mining | World News

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Sudan’s brutal conflict has entered its third year, leaving more than 150,000 dead and millions displaced. What began as a power struggle between two generals has evolved into a proxy battleground shaped by competing regional and international interests. Nations including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Russia have been accused of fueling the crisis — each seeking influence over one of Africa’s most strategically important nations.

The Complex Web Behind Sudan’s War

The fighting in Sudan, initially viewed as an internal clash between rival generals, has been exacerbated by outside actors. The war pits the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti.

The Rapid Support Forces’ recent capture of the Darfur city of El Fasher, followed by reports of mass civilian killings, drew widespread international outrage. Amid growing pressure, the RSF agreed to a humanitarian truce proposed by the “Quad” countries — the United States, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. However, the ceasefire has yet to halt the violence or address the deeper problem: the murky involvement of several foreign powers whose interests extend beyond Sudan’s borders.

Sudan’s geography makes it a strategic prize. The country bridges Africa and the Middle East, commands more than 500 miles of Red Sea coastline along a vital global shipping route, and holds vast gold reserves and fertile land. It also influences the flow of the Blue Nile, making it pivotal in the region’s water diplomacy.

Foreign Stakes in Sudan’s Future

According to Charles Ray, a retired U.S. diplomat and chair of the Africa Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, “Whoever controls Sudan is in a position to have influence in the broader region — the Horn of Africa as well as sub-Saharan Africa.” That influence has drawn in powerful regional players with competing agendas.

United Arab Emirates: Alleged Arms and Gold Connections

The United Arab Emirates has faced repeated allegations of arming Hemedti’s RSF, despite firm denials from Emirati officials. Human rights groups and UN investigators have traced weapons found in Darfur to shipments linked to companies based in the UAE.

Washington’s Treasury Department sanctioned several of these companies, saying they were tied to Hemedti and his family, including brothers Algoney and Abdul Rahim Dagalo, for providing weapons and financing the RSF through gold exports to Dubai. The UAE has dismissed the allegations as “fake news,” claiming it supports only peace and civilian rule in Sudan.

UAE adviser Anwar Gargash recently admitted that the international community made a “mistake” by not intervening more decisively when Sudan’s civilian government was toppled in 2021. Still, experts say Abu Dhabi’s ambitions go beyond stability.

Khalil al-Anani, a Georgetown University scholar, noted that the UAE’s interests are partly economic — targeting Sudan’s agriculture and gold — but also political. “The UAE does not want to see a successful democratic transition in Sudan,” he said, linking its actions to a broader campaign against post–Arab Spring movements.

Amnesty International and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute have also cited Chinese-made howitzers found in Darfur that could only have been imported via the UAE, though Emirati officials dispute this. Despite repeated inquiries, the UN’s most recent report omitted specific findings about the UAE’s involvement, raising questions about diplomatic pressure behind the scenes.

Egypt: Security and the Nile Factor

Egypt, sharing deep historical and geographic ties with Sudan, has backed al-Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, a former general who seized power in 2013, has provided diplomatic support to the SAF, hosting multiple meetings with Sudanese military officials and reaffirming Cairo’s commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty.

Experts say Egypt’s motives are driven by security and water politics. “Egypt is involved mainly due to national-security concerns, particularly the implications of Sudan’s instability on the Nile River,” al-Anani said. The Nile provides 90% of Egypt’s freshwater, and instability in Sudan could jeopardize Cairo’s position in its ongoing dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Egypt also fears a democratic Sudan could embolden opposition movements at home. Moreover, the war has forced tens of thousands of Sudanese refugees into Egypt, compounding the country’s economic strain.

Saudi Arabia: Seeking Stability Along the Red Sea

Saudi Arabia has taken a more cautious approach, calling for a Sudanese-led solution and co-hosting peace talks with the United States. Nonetheless, analysts suggest Riyadh leans toward supporting al-Burhan’s military faction.

Riyadh’s key concern lies in maintaining stability along the Red Sea, a vital artery for global trade and central to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 development plan. Saudi Arabia has also leveraged its position as a humanitarian actor, coordinating large-scale evacuations of civilians and foreign nationals during the early stages of the conflict.

Former U.S. diplomat Charles Ray said Riyadh’s role also reflects competition with regional powers. “There are economic benefits to being involved in Africa, but also strategic rivalry — Saudi Arabia doesn’t want to be outpaced by the UAE or Russia,” he noted.

Russia: Gold, Bases, and Wagner’s Shadow

While focused on its war in Ukraine, Russia has quietly deepened its presence in Sudan. U.S. officials accuse Moscow of “playing both sides of the conflict to advance its own political objectives.”

The Wagner Group, the now-restructured Russian mercenary network, had long provided military support to the RSF in exchange for access to Sudan’s gold mines. Wagner operatives were also accused of smuggling weapons through Libya and the Central African Republic.

After Wagner’s failed mutiny in 2023 and the death of its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Kremlin sought direct control over these operations. Meanwhile, Moscow has negotiated with al-Burhan’s government for a Red Sea naval base in Port Sudan, a move seen as part of its broader strategy to expand influence in Africa.

Sudan: A Nation Torn by Proxy Interests

Experts agree that Sudan’s conflict has evolved beyond domestic rivalry. “There is no neutral actor in the Sudanese conflict,” said al-Anani. “Every party intervenes to pursue its own goals. Controlling Sudan means controlling access to the sub-Saharan region.”

Years of war have devastated the nation’s institutions, crippled its economy, and deepened human suffering. With millions displaced and famine looming, the country remains vulnerable to manipulation by external powers that see opportunity in its instability.

Despite international mediation, Sudan’s future hinges not only on peace between its warring factions but on whether the global powers competing over its territory can restrain their ambitions long enough to let the country heal.

Source: CNN – Sudan’s bloody conflict is plagued by foreign influence – here is what we know

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On Friday, Myanmar was rocked by a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake, the most powerful to hit the country in over a century. The tremors were felt far beyond Myanmar’s borders, shaking Thailand and even reaching nearby regions of China.

This earthquake struck a nation already grappling with turmoil. Myanmar has been in the throes of a brutal civil war since the military junta seized power in 2021, cutting off much of the country from the rest of the world. The tremors from this natural disaster have added yet another layer of suffering for a population already living in crisis.

Rescue teams have been working tirelessly in the aftermath, sifting through rubble in hopes of finding survivors. Entire buildings have collapsed, and early reports indicate a tragic loss of life. While the full scale of the damage is still unfolding, experts warn that it could take weeks before the complete toll is known.

The destruction is so widespread that satellite images have become a vital tool in assessing the aftermath. These before-and-after images starkly reveal the scale of devastation, showing entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble.

The powerful images highlight the vastness of the earthquake’s impact—flattened structures, damaged infrastructure, and swathes of land left in ruin. As Myanmar struggles to recover, these visuals underscore the dire need for immediate international aid and support.

In the midst of a long-standing political crisis, Myanmar’s latest tragedy serves as a harsh reminder of how natural disasters can further compound the suffering of those already facing immense challenges.

As rescuers continue their search and the world watches, the full extent of the destruction remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Myanmar faces an uphill battle as it grapples with this latest catastrophe.

Source: CNN – Before and after: Satellite images show the destruction left by Myanmar earthquake

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A devastating earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, intensifying the suffering in a country already reeling from years of civil war. The 7.7 magnitude quake hit the heart of a conflict-torn nation, further isolating Myanmar, which had already been struggling with disrupted communications and transportation. As rescue operations struggle to gain ground, voices from the rubble are starting to emerge, revealing a story of desperation, loss, and a glimmer of hope amidst devastation.

Myanmar has been embroiled in a brutal civil war since the military junta seized power in a 2021 coup. Pro-democracy fighters and ethnic rebel groups have fought back against the regime, leaving the country divided and vulnerable. Now, just as things seemed at their worst, the natural disaster has piled on fresh misery.

The earthquake struck in the middle of this ongoing conflict, further complicating efforts to provide relief. The military government has reported over 1,600 deaths, but experts warn that the true toll could be much higher. Given the ongoing communications breakdown and the scale of destruction, it may take weeks for the full impact to be known.

As reports began trickling in from the epicenter of the quake, the city of Mandalay – Myanmar’s former royal capital and home to over 1.5 million people – emerged as the hardest-hit area. Known for its Buddhist monasteries and historical sites, Mandalay saw its infrastructure collapse under the intense force of the earthquake, which released energy equivalent to “334 atomic bombs,” according to one geologist.

Residents recalled the chaos as buildings crumbled and roads were ruptured. “It hit very strong and very fast,” said a woman from Mandalay, describing the terrifying moment her grandmother was trapped under debris. “The door couldn’t open as a fence had collapsed onto it. I shouted for help, and my husband managed to open it just in time.”

As the earth shook, residents frantically tried to rescue loved ones, often with nothing but their hands. A former lawyer in Mandalay told CNN that three members of his wife’s family had been killed. “We haven’t been able to recover their bodies,” he said, overwhelmed by grief and helplessness.

Mandalay’s mosques, busy with Friday prayers, were also hit. “When the buildings collapsed, many Muslims were trapped inside,” one man recalled. “There are more than a hundred injured.”

Across the Irrawaddy River in Sagaing region, a more rural area of Myanmar, the destruction continued. Many homes there are made from wood and thatch, which are more likely to survive earthquakes. Yet, in some areas, buildings were still destroyed, leaving survivors in urgent need of medical care.

Nang Aye Yin, a resident of Sagaing, spoke of the collapse of a nunnery where his relative was studying. “Luckily, no one died, but two were badly wounded,” he said. “One niece lost three toes, and another nun suffered severe head injuries.”

Hospitals in both Sagaing and Mandalay were overwhelmed with casualties and turned many away. “They’re already at full capacity,” Nang said. “We were forced to wait for care.”

Meanwhile, survivors and rescue teams have voiced frustration over the lack of heavy machinery and military support for recovery efforts. “There’s too much rubble, and no rescue teams have come for us,” one Mandalay survivor told Reuters.

In an unprecedented move, Myanmar’s military junta has appealed for foreign aid. Historically, the junta has resisted international assistance, opting instead to minimize the impact of disasters. This time, however, the scale of the destruction has forced their hand.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing visited Mandalay on Saturday to assess the damage. Shortly after, neighboring countries, including China, Singapore, Malaysia, India, and Russia, announced plans to send rescue teams and supplies.

In an unusual turn, Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government (NUG), a group formed by deposed lawmakers, declared a two-week pause in military operations. This “temporary ceasefire” aims to allow humanitarian relief efforts to take precedence. The NUG called on all ethnic groups and citizens to cooperate in rescue operations, providing much-needed relief to the victims.

The earthquake that struck Myanmar is the most powerful in a century. Experts explained that the rupture, which lasted a full minute, released immense energy, causing dramatic sideways movements on the ground. “Think of a piece of paper tearing,” said James Jackson from the University of Cambridge, describing the force that sent shockwaves across the country.

Despite its magnitude, the quake was not entirely unexpected. It occurred along the Sagaing Fault, a major geological fault line that has historically been the site of large earthquakes.

As the dust settles, Myanmar faces an uncertain future. The government, already stretched thin by internal conflict, is struggling to provide adequate relief to the tens of thousands affected by the quake. Meanwhile, the resistance forces and civilian groups are stepping in to fill the gaps, offering what help they can in the absence of military support.

For the people of Mandalay and beyond, the road to recovery will be long and filled with challenges. But amidst the destruction, the resilience of the Myanmar people shines through, as they continue to search for survivors and rebuild their shattered communities.

Source: CNN – Voices are starting to emerge from quake devastated Myanmar. Here’s what we are hearing

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A Surge in Violence: The Bloodiest Conflict in Years

Syria has witnessed its deadliest outbreak of violence in years, following a military operation against remnants of the former Assad regime. Since Thursday, clashes between government forces and Assad loyalists have resulted in 779 deaths, including civilians, state security forces, and armed fighters.

What started as a confrontation between armed groups quickly escalated into communal killings, with verified footage showing government loyalists executing individuals and referring to “purifying” the country.

Why Has Sectarian Violence Erupted Again?

The conflict reignited in the coastal Latakia province, the heartland of former leader Bashar al-Assad, where his Alawite sect had long held power. The Alawites, a minority Shiite sect in predominantly Sunni Syria, were closely associated with Assad’s regime. His ouster in December by Sunni Islamist militants seeking to reshape Syria’s political order created deep sectarian tensions.

Under Assad, many opponents viewed the Alawites as complicit in the brutalities of his rule. However, the new interim government, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, had pledged inclusivity and equal representation across Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities. The violence over the past few days, however, underscores Syria’s fragile transition.

On Thursday, Syria’s state-run SANA news agency reported that Assad loyalists attacked government checkpoints, triggering deadly clashes. Over the weekend, these hostilities spiraled into communal killings, with eyewitnesses and video evidence confirming field executions.

Who Is Responsible for the Killings?

The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) provided a breakdown of the casualties:

• Pro-Assad groups were responsible for 383 deaths, including 172 state security forces and 211 civilians.
• Government forces and their allies killed 396 people, including civilians and disarmed militants.

How Has the New Syrian Government Responded?

Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa blamed the violence on Assad’s remaining forces, accusing them of inciting sectarian conflict. On Sunday, he vowed accountability for all involved in the bloodshed and announced the creation of an independent investigation committee, tasked with:

• Identifying those responsible for civilian deaths.
• Investigating attacks on public institutions and security forces.
• Recommending judicial action against perpetrators.

Sharaa reiterated that “Syria is a state of law”, emphasizing that the government “will rectify the situation as much as we can.”

How Has the World Reacted?

The violence threatens to derail Sharaa’s efforts to rebuild diplomatic ties and ease sanctions imposed during Assad’s rule. Global reactions have been swift:

• United States: Condemned “radical Islamist terrorists” responsible for massacres in western Syria. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged accountability for perpetrators.
• European Union: Expressed concern over civilian casualties and called for the protection of civilians under international law.
• Turkey & Iran: Exchanged accusations over destabilizing actions in Syria, fueling diplomatic tensions.
• Russia: Reports indicate Syrians seeking protection at the Russian-run Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia.

Are Foreign Powers Involved?

Syria has long been a battleground for competing regional and global powers, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, the U.S., Russia, and Turkey. In past conflicts, foreign fighters have played key roles, and recent social media footage suggests some may still be active.

As tensions flared, Turkey and Iran exchanged warnings over interference in Syria. Meanwhile, satellite images from March 10 show crowds seeking refuge at a Russian military base in Latakia.

What’s Next for Syria?

Experts warn that Syria’s sectarian divisions, fueled by over 13 years of conflict, will not disappear overnight. Deep-rooted grievances and calls for revenge pose ongoing risks to stability.

Key factors that will shape Syria’s future include:

• Government inclusivity: Avoiding marginalization of the Alawite community.
• Justice & accountability: Ensuring perpetrators face consequences.
• International engagement: Rebuilding trust with Western and regional powers.

The European Union remains open to working with Syria’s interim government if stability is restored. Meanwhile, Turkey, Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon recently called for lifting sanctions to aid Syria’s recovery.

Final Thoughts

Syria’s transition remains fragile, and the latest violence highlights the challenges ahead. Without addressing underlying tensions and ensuring justice, the risk of future unrest looms large.

While Sharaa insists his government is committed to stability, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Syria moves toward reconciliation or deeper conflict.

Source

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A deadly attack by a paramilitary group in Sudan’s city of Omdurman has left at least 54 people dead and 158 others wounded, health officials reported on Saturday. The assault on the Sabrein Market was carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary faction engaged in the ongoing civil war against the Sudanese military.

Devastating Impact on Civilians

The Health Ministry confirmed the horrific toll, noting that many of the victims were women and children. The RSF’s shelling caused widespread destruction to both public and private properties in the area. The Sudanese Doctors Syndicate condemned the attack, revealing that one of the shells landed dangerously close to al-Naw hospital, which treated many of the casualties. Despite the overwhelming number of victims, the hospital is struggling with a severe shortage of medical staff, particularly surgeons and nurses.

Civil War Escalates

The attack in Omdurman marks the latest tragic episode in Sudan’s escalating civil war, which began in April 2023 when tensions between the military and RSF exploded into open conflict. The conflict has already claimed over 28,000 lives, forced millions to flee their homes, and led to widespread famine, leaving families in desperate need of survival.

International Condemnation

Sudan’s Culture Minister, Khalid al-Aleisir, denounced the attack, describing it as a “blatant violation of international humanitarian law.” The International Criminal Court is investigating the RSF’s actions, with the United Nations and human rights groups documenting atrocities including ethnically motivated killings and sexual violence.

RSF’s Losses Amid Military Gains

In recent months, the RSF has faced multiple military defeats, losing control of several key areas in the capital, Khartoum, and other regions, while the Sudanese military has regained strategic locations, including the city of Wad Medani and the largest oil refinery.

As the conflict continues to devastate Sudan, humanitarian organizations are warning of worsening conditions, with famine and violence escalating across the country. The U.S. government has accused the RSF of committing genocide, and the international community remains alarmed at the growing scale of violence and suffering.

Source

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The fall of the BGP5 barracks in northern Rakhine State was both loud and devastating. What began with crackly demands for surrender ended in a thunderous storm of artillery, rockets, and rifle fire, tearing apart the fortified compound that housed hundreds of Myanmar junta soldiers.

BGP5, short for Border Guard Police, marked the Myanmar military’s last stand along the 270-kilometer border with Bangladesh. This defeat delivered a critical blow to the military junta, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, which has faced growing challenges since its 2021 coup.

A Fierce Battle in Maungdaw

Video footage from the Arakan Army (AA), the insurgent force responsible for the siege, shows barefoot fighters armed with diverse weapons attacking the base. Overhead, Myanmar Air Force jets roared in a desperate bid to repel the insurgents.

The AA’s advance was painfully slow, hampered by deep trenches filled with spikes, reinforced bunkers, and over a thousand landmines. “Many of our fighters lost limbs or lives trying to breach their defenses,” an AA source told the BBC.

After months of siege, the junta’s forces were left demoralized. Despite airdropped supplies, they suffered from untreated injuries, and morale plummeted. By last weekend, they surrendered in disarray. Video footage showed soldiers emerging barefoot, waving white flags, some limping on makeshift crutches. Inside the compound, piles of bodies bore witness to the intense battle.

The AA claims over 450 soldiers died during the siege, including high-ranking officers like Brigadier-General Thurein Tun, whose capture was widely publicized.

A Strategic Turning Point

The fall of BGP5 marks a humiliating setback for General Min Aung Hlaing’s regime. With the AA now controlling the entire border with Bangladesh, the junta retains a tenuous grip on Rakhine’s capital, Sittwe, which remains cut off from the rest of the state.

The Arakan Army’s rise as a formidable force is notable. Established in 2009 by young ethnic Rakhine seeking better opportunities near Myanmar’s border with China, the AA is now part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, a coalition of insurgent groups dealing significant blows to the junta.

Unlike its allies, the AA has returned to Rakhine, channeling long-standing grievances over poverty and neglect into a robust fight for autonomy. Its leaders are disciplined, well-funded, and equipped with modern weapons, courtesy of alliances with older insurgent groups near China.

Challenges Ahead for the Arakan Army

While the AA’s territorial gains are significant, governing Rakhine presents new challenges. The state, already impoverished, has been devastated by intense fighting. According to one displaced Rohingya man, “Eighty percent of housing in Maungdaw and surrounding villages has been destroyed.” The United Nations has warned of famine due to military blockades and massive displacement.

The AA’s ability to administer its territory remains uncertain. Reports indicate it struggles to provide food and shelter for those displaced. Furthermore, its relationship with the Rohingya population—who make up a significant portion of Rakhine—remains fraught.

Rohingya Relations and Controversies

The Rohingya, who suffered mass expulsions during the military’s 2017 campaign, still number around 600,000 in Rakhine. The AA’s treatment of them is under scrutiny. While some Rohingya welcome the prospect of living under AA rule, tensions between ethnic Rakhine and Rohingya persist.

The situation worsened after Rohingya militant groups sided with the junta during recent conflicts. The AA has accused these groups of betraying their cause and has expelled tens of thousands of Rohingya from newly captured towns.

In August, a tragic incident further strained relations when bombs—likely from AA drones—killed dozens of Rohingya, including women and children, as they tried to flee to Bangladesh.

A Fragmented Opposition

While the AA’s victory underscores its strength, it raises broader questions about Myanmar’s future. Ethnic insurgents, including the AA, are aligned with the shadow government that opposes the junta, but their long-term goals may diverge.

China, a key player in the region, is pushing for a ceasefire that could leave much of the military’s power intact. Some insurgent groups have already accepted China’s proposal, raising concerns that territorial gains may lead to deals rather than the junta’s complete ouster.

For now, the AA’s leadership is tight-lipped about its plans. As it consolidates power in Rakhine, the group must navigate the challenges of governance, humanitarian crises, and its fraught relationship with the Rohingya population.

The road ahead for Rakhine is uncertain, but the fall of BGP5 signals a significant shift in Myanmar’s civil war—a war that continues to reshape the nation’s fragile future.

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Syrian rebels reported uncovering approximately 40 bodies showing signs of torture at Harasta Hospital, a military facility in a Damascus suburb. This grim discovery follows the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, who fled the country amid the rebels’ rapid advance.

Gruesome Evidence of Torture

Photos and videos released by the rebels depict bodies wrapped in blood-stained shrouds, stacked in a refrigerated room. Visible wounds, bruises, and adhesive tape bearing names and numbers were present on many bodies.

“I opened the mortuary door myself. It was a horrific sight,” said Mohammed al-Hajj, a rebel fighter. According to al-Hajj, the discovery was made following a tip from hospital staff. The rebels immediately informed their command and coordinated with the Syrian Red Crescent to transport the remains to a hospital in Damascus for identification by families.

Signs of Systematic Atrocities

It is unclear how long the bodies had been stored, but varying stages of decomposition suggest they had been there for some time. Human rights groups believe many of the victims were likely detainees from Saydnaya prison, infamous for torture and executions under Assad’s rule.

Diab Serriya, co-founder of the Association of Detainees and the Missing in Saydnaya Prison (ADMSP), stated that Harasta Hospital served as a hub for processing detainee bodies from Saydnaya and Tishreen Hospital before their transfer to mass graves.

Saydnaya: A “Human Slaughterhouse”

Saydnaya prison has long been synonymous with human rights violations. Amnesty International described it as a “human slaughterhouse,” estimating that over 30,000 detainees were killed between 2011 and 2018 through executions, torture, starvation, or lack of medical care. Recent reports indicate that at least 500 more detainees died between 2018 and 2021.

The ADMSP revealed that bodies from Saydnaya were temporarily stored in “salt chambers,” makeshift mortuaries designed to preserve corpses before burial on military grounds.

Search for Missing Detainees Ends Without Success

Simultaneously, the Syria Civil Defense, known as the White Helmets, concluded a comprehensive search of Saydnaya prison on Monday, aiming to uncover secret cells or underground areas where detainees might be held. Despite deploying specialized teams, sniffer dogs, and personnel familiar with the prison’s layout, no additional bodies or detainees were found.

“We share the profound disappointment of the families who still have no answers about their missing loved ones,” the White Helmets said in a statement.

A Legacy of Brutality

The ADMSP’s records indicate that, as of late October, approximately 4,300 detainees were held at Saydnaya, with many now presumed released following Assad’s ouster. Harrowing testimonies from former prisoners have shed light on the systemic abuse, with survivors recounting extreme torture and neglect.

Global Call for Accountability

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist militant group instrumental in Assad’s fall, vowed to hold senior officials accountable for their roles in the regime’s torture practices. Jolani announced plans to publish the names of those responsible and offer rewards for information leading to their capture.

A Bleak Chapter in Syria’s History

The discoveries at Harasta Hospital and Saydnaya prison highlight the scale of human rights abuses under Assad’s regime. The international community has widely condemned these atrocities, with calls for justice and accountability growing louder. As Syria embarks on a fragile transition, the wounds of its brutal past remain raw, with thousands of families still searching for closure.

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Bashar al-Assad Reportedly Flees to Russia
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled to Russia, where state media claims he has been granted asylum following the collapse of his regime. This marks a dramatic turn in Syria’s prolonged conflict, leaving the nation at a pivotal crossroads.

UN Security Council Calls Emergency Meeting
The United Nations Security Council is set to convene an emergency session later today to address the rapidly unfolding situation in Syria. The meeting, requested by Russia, is scheduled for 3:00 PM (2000 GMT) and will be held behind closed doors, according to diplomatic sources.

Rebels Seize Damascus After Rapid Advances
In a swift and unexpected series of advances over the past 11 days, Syrian rebel forces have captured Damascus, effectively overthrowing Assad’s government. The fall of Damascus signifies a major shift in the Syrian civil war, as opposition forces now hold control of the capital.

The international community remains on high alert, closely monitoring the developments and their potential regional and global implications. More updates are expected as the UN Security Council deliberates next steps.

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Hundreds of civilians have fled the central Syrian city of Homs, seeking safety as anti-regime rebels continue their rapid advance south toward Damascus. Overnight into Friday, videos showed highways packed with vehicles as residents left the city, fearing an impending clash between rebel forces and government troops.

Rebels Eye Strategic City After Capturing Hama

On Thursday, the rebels seized the city of Hama, located north of Homs, and immediately shifted their focus to the strategic crossroads city. Capturing Homs could split the territories controlled by President Bashar al-Assad into two isolated regions: one encompassing Damascus and the other along the Syrian coast.

“Our heroic people in Homs, your time has come,” a rebel spokesperson declared, calling for support from locals. The rebel coalition, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has recently captured two major cities in just over a week, aiming to overthrow the Assad regime.

“Our objective remains clear: the overthrow of this regime by all necessary means,” said Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of HTS, in an exclusive CNN interview on Thursday.

Fears of Sectarian Retaliation

Homs, home to a significant Alawite population—Assad’s co-religionists—has become a flashpoint. Many Alawites fear retaliation from Islamist rebels who accuse their community of supporting Assad and dominating Syria’s political system.

A Lightning Offensive Reignites Civil War

The rebel coalition’s recent offensive began on November 27, bursting out of their northwest Idlib stronghold. Within days, they captured Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, and Hama, meeting minimal resistance from government forces caught unprepared by the speed of the attacks.

If Homs falls, it would mark a major turning point, effectively cutting Assad’s forces into two isolated zones. Rebel forces have already celebrated significant victories, with videos showing fighters jubilantly entering captured cities.

“Guys, my country is being liberated. I swear, we are in Hama and Aleppo,” a rebel fighter exclaims in one video, standing near Hama’s Alaarbaen Roundabout.

The rebels also released hundreds of prisoners from Hama’s central jail, claiming they were “wrongfully detained.” This same city was the site of a brutal massacre in 1982, when Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad, crushed a revolt, killing thousands.

A Fragile Regime Under Pressure

Jolani believes the Assad regime’s collapse is imminent. “The seeds of its defeat have always been there. Foreign powers like Iran and Russia tried to prop it up, but the regime is effectively dead,” he said.

The Assad regime has not commented on the rapid rebel advances. Internet blackouts in Homs and the surrounding areas have made it difficult to verify reports from the city.

The Human Cost of a Renewed Conflict

The offensive has reawakened Syria’s civil war, which began in 2011 during the Arab Spring protests. Initially peaceful demonstrations demanding democratic reforms were met with violent crackdowns by the regime, spiraling into a protracted conflict involving multiple foreign powers.

Over a decade of war has left more than 300,000 civilians dead and displaced millions across the region, according to the United Nations.

As the rebels push southward, the future of the Assad regime and the Syrian people hangs in uncertainty. For many fleeing Homs, survival remains the only priority.

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