Internal Security: Aleppo attackers linked to Sweida, Coastal massacres

In a statement, the Internal Security Forces – Aleppo disclosed important information about the mercenary groups affiliated with the so-called interim government that are launching attacks on the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafiyeh, and Bani Zaid in Aleppo.

The statement said:

“Video evidence confirms that the factions attacking the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh in the city of Aleppo are the same factions involved in documented massacres in Sweida and the Syrian coast. These factions are listed on international sanctions lists due to their extensive record of serious violations.

These armed formations have fought as proxy forces since their inception and have never been part of any national project. Instead, they possess a black record of crimes and violations against civilians. According to footage and visual materials published by the members of these factions themselves during the attack, the participating forces include:

Division 62 (known as the so-called Suleiman Shah Brigade – Al-Amshat)

Division 72 (known as the so-called Sultan Murad Division)

Division 76 (known as the so-called Hamza Division)

Division 80 (known as the so-called Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement)

Despite this heavy criminal record, these factions receive direct cover and adoption from the Ministry of Defense in Damascus, in blatant disregard of their crimes. This makes the sponsoring authority a partner in the political, moral, and legal responsibility for what is taking place.

So far, the attacks by these factions have resulted in the killing of 8 civilians and the injury of 52 others, in addition to damage to at least 300 homes and dozens of service and medical facilities due to shelling.

 This constitutes a direct targeting of safe residential neighborhoods, amounting to a full-fledged war crime and a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

The continued use of internationally sanctioned factions to impose sieges and shell civilians, and attempts to recycle them under official titles, will only deepen the crisis and open the door to further crimes and instability.”

a.k

ANHA