Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition – Syria
Department of Media and Communications
September 25, 2020
On this day in 2012, the Assad regime’s Republican Guard forces stormed Al-Joura and Al-Qusour neighborhoods in the city of Deir Ezzor, unleashing a killing spree against unarmed civilians. Survivors talked about summary executions involving the use of machine guns and knives, with reports of young men being burnt alive.
The massacre claimed the lives of more than 400 people, dozens of whom were buried in mass graves, while dozens others were left amongst the rubble of bombed buildings in a heinous crime that reflects the true nature of the regime and its insatiable desire for revenge.
The attack was led by some of the most notorious criminals such as Ali Khouzam and Issam Zahr Al-Din who unleashed their militants to commit a series of brutal killings, abuses and torture with the aim of intimidating and terrorizing Syrians across Syria.
The massacre was well-documented as human rights groups possess detailed testimonies of the atrocities that took place in this massacre which became part of the litany of crimes being committed in Syria. These atrocious crimes must prompt action by the international community which must assume its responsibilities; hold criminals accountable; and obtain justice for the victims.
