Latest news with #coastalregions
Al Jazeera
a day ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
More than 1,400 killed in sectarian violence in coastal Syria, report finds
More than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed in several days of sectarian violence in Syria's coastal regions earlier this year, a government committee tasked with investigating the attacks has found. The committee said it had identified 298 suspects implicated in serious violations during the violence in the country's Alawite heartland that left at least 1,426 members of the minority community dead in March. Tuesday's findings come after a new wave of violence involving the country's Druze community, raising further questions over the new government's ability to manage sectarian tensions and maintain security after the December overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad – himself an Alawite. The March violence took place in a predominantly Alawite region of Syria's coast, where government forces and allied groups were accused of carrying out summary executions, mostly targeting Alawite civilians, with the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights saying more than 1,700 people were killed. The committee's report said there was no evidence that Syria's military leadership ordered attacks on the Alawite community. The committee's investigation documented 'serious violations against civilians on March 7, 8 and 9, including murder, premeditated murder, looting, destruction and burning of homes, torture and sectarian insults', spokesman Yasser al-Farhan told a news conference in Damascus. The committee confirmed 'the names of 1,426 dead, including 90 women, with most of the rest being civilians' from the Alawite community, he said, adding that an unspecified number of further dead had not been verified. The investigation also 'identified 298 individuals by name' who were suspected of involvement in the violations, al-Farhan continued, describing the figure as provisional. These have been referred for prosecution, and 37 people have been arrested, officials told journalists. They didn't say how many suspects were members of security forces. 'Bigger than just violations' Authorities have accused gunmen loyal to al-Assad of instigating the violence, launching deadly attacks that killed dozens of security personnel. The committee said 238 members of the army and security forces were killed in the attacks in the provinces of Tartous, Latakia and Hama. About 200,000 pro-government military reinforcements then converged on the area, according to al-Farhan. Jana Mustafa, a 24-year-old student from Baniyas whose father was killed during the violence, said she had not been waiting for the report 'because the truth was clear to me'. 'The number of bodies, the mass graves and the screams of the victims were enough to clarify what happened,' she said, expressing disappointment that the committee's announcements appeared to include 'justifications for everything that happened'. 'The issue is bigger than just violations. It was directed against an entire sect,' she added. The committee said it based its report on more than 30 on-site visits, meetings with dozens of people in the towns and villages where violations occurred, and testimonies from hundreds of witnesses and victims. It also heard from government officials. Al-Farhan said the committee had identified people 'linked to certain military groups and factions' among those involved in the violence, adding it believed they 'violated military orders and are suspected of committing violations against civilians'. 'Disappointed and frustrated' Rama Hussein, 22, whose three sisters, two cousins and grandfather were killed in the Jableh region, said she was 'sad, disappointed and frustrated' with the committee. 'No one listened to my testimony, no one visited us – I don't know who this committee met or who they saw,' she said. 'I hope we see real accountability, not just reports and press conferences,' she said, calling for compensation for the families of those killed. Human rights groups and international organisations have said entire families were killed, including women, children and the elderly. Gunmen stormed homes and asked residents whether they were Alawite or Sunni before killing or sparing them, they said. Committee chairman Jumaa al-Anzi said authorities had been consulted to identify individuals who appeared in videos on social media documenting violations, and that some of them were included among the suspects. The body said two lists of people 'suspected of involvement in attacks or violations' had been referred to the judiciary. Al-Anzi, the committee's chair, said that 'we have no evidence that the [military] leaders gave orders to commit violations'. The presidency had said new Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa had received the committee's report on July 13, the same day that sectarian violence erupted in the Druze-majority province of Suwayda. Those clashes broke out between Sunni Muslim Bedouin clans and Druze armed groups, and government security forces who intervened to restore order. Druze armed groups launched revenge attacks on Bedouin communities. Hundreds have been killed, and the United Nations says more than 128,500 people have been displaced. The violence has largely stopped as a ceasefire takes hold. The committee chair said the violence in Suwayda is 'painful for all Syrians' but 'beyond the jurisdiction' of his committee. 'Time will reveal what happened and who is responsible for it,' he said.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Syrian committee reports 1,426 killed in March violence
Syrian committee reports 1,426 killed in March violence BEIRUT (Reuters) -A Syrian fact-finding committee said on Tuesday that 1,426 people, including 90 women, had been killed during the March 6-9 violence in the country's coastal regions that witnessed attacks on security forces followed by killings of Alawite Syrians. The incidents were the worst violence to hit Syria since the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad last year, and the fact-finding committee's work is seen as an important test of the new leadership, made up mainly of former anti-Assad rebel fighters. In a key finding, the committee concluded that Syrian commanders did not give orders to commit violations and in fact gave orders to halt them. The committee came up with a list of 298 suspects involved in violations against Alawites and 265 involved in the initial attack on security forces, committee head Jumaa Al-Anzi said. The names are not being released publicly for now and have been referred to courts for further investigations, while 31 people have been arrested, spokesperson Yasser Farhan said. The violence began on March 6 with attacks on Syrian security forces stationed in the region that put hospitals and other state institutions out of operation and caused wide areas to fall out of government control, Farhan said. The committee found that 238 members of the security forces were killed in these attacks, perpetrated by forces aligned with the former Assad government, Farhan said. In response to the attacks, around 200,000 armed men mobilized from across Syria, pouring into the coastal region, he said. This led to violations including killings, theft and sectarian incitement that the committee found were "widespread but not organised," Farhan said. Farhan said the committee members had full cooperation from government forces as they undertook their months of work.
Reuters
a day ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Syrian committee reports 1,426 killed in March violence
BEIRUT, July 22 (Reuters) - A Syrian fact-finding committee said on Tuesday that 1,426 people, including 90 women, had been killed during the March 6-9 violence in the country's coastal regions that witnessed attacks on security forces followed by killings of Alawite Syrians. The incidents were the worst violence to hit Syria since the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad last year, and the fact-finding committee's work is seen as an important test of the new leadership, made up mainly of former anti-Assad rebel fighters. In a key finding, the committee concluded that Syrian commanders did not give orders to commit violations and in fact gave orders to halt them. The committee came up with a list of 298 suspects involved in violations against Alawites and 265 involved in the initial attack on security forces, committee head Jumaa Al-Anzi said. The names are not being released publicly for now and have been referred to courts for further investigations, while 31 people have been arrested, spokesperson Yasser Farhan said. The violence began on March 6 with attacks on Syrian security forces stationed in the region that put hospitals and other state institutions out of operation and caused wide areas to fall out of government control, Farhan said. The committee found that 238 members of the security forces were killed in these attacks, perpetrated by forces aligned with the former Assad government, Farhan said. In response to the attacks, around 200,000 armed men mobilized from across Syria, pouring into the coastal region, he said. This led to violations including killings, theft and sectarian incitement that the committee found were "widespread but not organised," Farhan said. Farhan said the committee members had full cooperation from government forces as they undertook their months of work.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Sea Net-Making: A heritage icon weaving identity of maritime history at Al Ashkharah Festival
Al Ashkharah — Al Ashkharah Festival attracts Omani artisans practicing various traditional crafts, showcasing and promoting them to preserve the legacy of their ancestors. These handcrafted trades represent both a means of adapting to the environment and a source of livelihood. Among the most prominent Omani traditional crafts is sea net-making, locally known as 'ghazl al-leekh'. This craft has been practiced by Omani fishermen for generations and remains prevalent across Oman's coastal regions. Al-leekh is a fundamental tool for traditional fishermen, consisting of multi-mesh nets made from nylon or cotton threads reinforced with a bordering rope. The size of the mesh openings and the thickness of the thread vary depending on the fishing method and the type of fish targeted. Each net measures between 175 to 200 yards in length and takes about 15 days to complete. These nets are widely used across Oman's coastal governorates under different names based on their fishing applications. Crafting these nets requires specific expertise—the maker must be an experienced fisherman with precise knowledge of fish species and the skill to create evenly sized mesh openings. Weights are attached to the bottom of the nets to ensure proper sinking. A key component of al-leekh is cork, which helps the nets float on the water's surface. The cork is called al-karb, named after the tough part of the palm trunk. If the net tears, it must be entirely re-woven.
UAE Moments
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- UAE Moments
Beachside Mess? Check How to Clean Up Salt & Sand Like a Pro
Living near the coast? Lucky you! Beach days, sea breeze, and stunning sunsets come with the territory. But so does something less dreamy: the never-ending battle with salty air and sand build-up. If your windows look foggy, your car feels gritty, and your floors constantly crunch underfoot—you're not alone. In coastal regions like the Gulf, this is a common cleaning struggle. Salty air corrodes, sand invades every crevice, and humidity doesn't make things any easier. But don't worry—we've got cleaning hacks that'll have your space sparkling (and salt-free) in no time. 1. Rinse Before You Wipe Salt is sneaky—it sticks to surfaces and attracts moisture. Before wiping anything down (especially glass), rinse with clean water first. This avoids scratching and spreads the salt evenly for easy removal. Think of it as a pre-wash for your home. 2. Windows Need Extra TLC Foggy or streaky windows? Thank salty sea air. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and wipe with a microfiber cloth for crystal-clear views. Do this at least once a week to prevent long-term damage. 💡 Pro tip: Rinse window sills too—salt loves to settle there and can cause rust if ignored. 3. Beach-Proof Your Floors Sand. Gets. Everywhere. Even when you didn't go to the beach. Use doormats inside and outside every entryway and get into the habit of shaking out rugs weekly. If your floors are always gritty, vacuum daily using a machine with a HEPA filter. Got tiles or marble? Mop with warm water and a splash of vinegar or floor-safe soap to break down salt film and keep things fresh. 4. Keep Your Car Clean (Yes, Even If It's Parked) Salty air clings to your car's paint and undercarriage, accelerating rust. If you're near the coast, aim to rinse your car weekly—even if you haven't driven. Don't forget the wheels and underside! Apply a protective wax every few months to shield the paint job from corrosion. If your windows start looking hazy, a diluted vinegar spray works wonders here too. 5. Shake Out Sand (Before It Hits the Floor) Create a "shake zone" just outside your front door. Whether it's a welcome mat, a mini brush station, or even a spot to stash sandy flip-flops and toys—this small habit cuts down on indoor mess. Bonus: keep a handheld vacuum nearby for quick cleanups. 6. Wipe Down Outdoor Furniture Often Salt build-up isn't just annoying—it can damage your patio furniture. Clean surfaces weekly with mild dish soap and warm water, then rinse well. For metal pieces, finish with a light coat of car wax or a rust-prevention spray. Cushions? Shake, vacuum, and sun-dry to keep mold and mildew at bay. 7. Air-Purifying Plants to the Rescue Yes, houseplants! Certain plants like peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants help purify indoor air and trap airborne salt and dust particles. Plus, they bring in those good Gulf vibes. 8. Rotate and Refresh Salt and sand love to hide in overlooked areas—under the couch, behind curtains, and in sliding door tracks. Make it a monthly habit to do a deep refresh: Vacuum furniture cushions and under rugs Clean window and door tracks Wash curtains or wipe blinds with a damp cloth 9. Protective Coatings for the Win If you're living close to the shore full-time, consider anti-corrosion treatments for metal fixtures, door handles, appliances, and even plumbing. A little prevention goes a long way in Gulf humidity. 10. Don't Fight It Alone—Go Digital Apps like Tody or Sweepy help you create a custom cleaning schedule. Track salt-prone zones and set reminders for tasks like 'rinse outdoor windows' or 'vacuum beach sand off car mats.' Cleaning can be satisfying… even fun? Beach Vibes Without the Grit You shouldn't have to choose between sea views and a clean home. With just a few smart habits, salty air and sandy floors don't stand a chance. Whether you're living in a Gulf-front apartment or a beach villa, staying ahead of build-up will make your space feel breezy, fresh, and Instagram-worthy all year long.
