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After 7 people killed, residents of Rankous call for those responsible to be held accountable
The town of Rankous, in the Qalamoun region of Rural Damascus, witnessed a public gathering outside the police station on Friday following prayers. Dozens of residents took part, calling for the circumstances surrounding the security operation in the town early Thursday to be clarified, the findings of the investigation to be made public, and anyone responsible for violations to be held accountable.
The protesters called for justice, transparency, and the truth about what happened. They affirmed their commitment to peaceful action and rejection of escalation. They also stressed the importance of protecting civilians and safeguarding residents’ rights, and opposed accusations of affiliation with extremist groups being made without clear evidence or proper legal procedures.
The gathering followed a security operation and clashes that left seven people dead, including two members of the Internal Security Forces and five armed men. The official account differed from testimony provided by some residents regarding the identities of those killed. Authorities said they had targeted a cell affiliated with the “Islamic State” organization, while some residents questioned that account, according to information obtained by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The Observatory stressed the need for a transparent, independent investigation to clarify the circumstances of the incident and make its findings public, as well as to hold accountable anyone found by the investigation to have committed violations. It also called for residents’ right to peacefully express their demands to be guaranteed and for civilians to be protected from any potential escalation.
