In a chilling situation in Suweida City, Syria, reports have surfaced alleging that government forces executed a massacre at the National Hospital amidst intense sectarian violence. Eyewitness accounts, including that of neurosurgeon Dr. Wissam Massoud, describe horrific scenes, with patients reportedly shot while lying in their beds.
The atmosphere around the hospital is described as overwhelming, with bodies piled in plastic bags and the smell of blood lingering in the air. Both local hospital staff and volunteers have voiced their horror over the attacks, emphasizing that the victims were targeted simply for being part of a minority group. A volunteer named Kiness Abu Motab decries the attacks, questioning the notion of democracy in a place that allows such violence.
Witnesses — including a teacher named Osama Malak — recount heart-wrenching instances, such as the shooting of an eight-year-old disabled boy. As multiple parties in the conflict accuse one another of atrocities, the full scope of what transpired remains unclear. Estimates regarding the death toll vary widely, with some suggesting over 300 fatalities.
As the situation unfolds, access to Suweida City is limited, posing challenges for credible investigations. The Syrian government has acknowledged "shocking violations" during the conflict, while officials promise thorough investigations into all allegations of wrongdoing across the board.
The tale of Hala Al Khatib, an eight-year-old girl shot in the head while hiding, symbolizes the tragic effects of the ongoing violence, with the nation and world watching in disbelief.
