Human Rights Watch: The Syrian Regime Is Systematically Destroying Homes In Rebel Controlled Areas

Rights Group Describes Campaign of Destruction By Assad Regime -- Time

A new report by Human Rights Watch documents the wholesale destruction of neighborhoods loyal to the Syrian opposition

Over the past two years, the Syrian government has embarked on a systematic campaign to demolish large swaths of urban areas and raze entire neighborhoods in an effort to punish opposition supporters and drive suspected rebels out of strategic areas, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch. The report details the destruction, by explosives and bulldozers, of thousands of residential buildings spread across seven neighborhoods in Damascus and Hama, two of Syria’s largest cities. The practice of destroying civilian areas, either as a form of punishment or in an attempt to clear ground, contravenes the laws of war, says Ole Solvang, emergencies researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Wiping entire neighborhoods off the map is not a legitimate tactic of war,” Solvang says. “These unlawful demolitions are the latest additions to a long list of crimes committed by the Syrian government.”

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More News On The Latest Human Rights Watch Report That The Syrian Regime Is Systematically Destroying Homes In Rebel Controlled Areas

Syrian government 'demolished thousands of homes' -- BBC
Syria has razed pro-opposition neighbourhoods, rights group says -- Globe and Mail/AP
Syria regime razed homes as 'collective punishment': HRW -- AFP
Syria wiping neighbourhoods off the map to punish residents – rights group -- The Guardian
Report: Syria destroyed thousands of homes in Damascus, Hama -- UPI
Syrian government demolished thousands of homes, report says -- CNN
Syrian Government Demolishes Thousands of Homes: Report -- Bloomberg
‘We want to destroy’: Shocking satellite images show devastation in Syrian districts that back opposition to Assad -- The Independent
Human rights group: Syrian authorities razed entire neighbourhoods -- Euronews
Report: Syrian government demolishes neighborhoods in quest for control -- Al Jazeera
Sliding Satellite Images Show What It Looks Like When A Syrian Neighbourhood Is Flattened -- Business Insider

WNU Editor: Human Rights Watch report on Syria’s Unlawful Neighborhood Demolitions in 2012-2013 can be read here.