-
French Fighter Accuses Government Authorities of Ambushing Fighters in Idlib
A French fighter residing in a camp in the city of Harim accused security authorities of ambushing a group of fighters, opening fire on them, and then confiscating surveillance-camera recording devices to remove evidence related to the incident, according to a testimony he gave to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory said it had been unable to independently verify the allegations.
The fighter said that several camp residents had gone out to buy food when they came under fire as they travelled in two cars near a gas station known as the “Turkistanis’ Station,” close to a mosque at the entrance to Harim.
He added that children were standing by the roadside when the shots were fired, and expressed concern that civilians may have been injured. He said, however, that he had no confirmed information about whether anyone was hurt or how many people might have been injured.
He also alleged that the group had been targeted, saying its members did not stop at the security checkpoint at the city entrance but continued towards the camp.
Separately, the fighter said that, for several days, camp residents had faced restrictions on buying food and other basic necessities in Harim. He said he believed the measures were linked to ongoing tensions between the residents and the authorities.
He also described previous disputes with the authorities over allegations against camp residents that, he said, had been dismissed by the courts. He warned of the consequences of continued tensions and security measures around the camp.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it had been unable to independently verify the circumstances surrounding the gunfire or the alleged confiscation of surveillance-camera recordings. No confirmed information was available regarding civilian casualties.
