Arab World

Syrian general, 20 soldiers defect — opposition : General says only those with special interests now back Assad

BEIRUT — A brigadier general and about 20 soldiers defected from the Syrian army in two separate incidents on Saturday, activists said, in another sign that the strength of President Bashar Assad’s armed forces is diminishing. Brigadier General Mohammed Khalouf appeared dressed in a camouflage military uniform in a video […]

Syria crisis: rebel war crimes increasing says Amnesty • Rebels resorting to kidnap, torture and summary killings

• Amnesty International has documented an increase in war crimes and other human rights abuses committed by rebel groups including hostage taking, torture and summary killings. Its Middle East and North Africa deputy director Ann Harrison said: “While the vast majority of war crimes and other gross violations continue to […]