NBC News - One week after fall of Syrian regime, desperate search for loved ones in Syria
The report from Damascus highlights Bashar al-Assad's statement claiming he was overseeing combat operations against rebels, whom he labeled as terrorists, and only left Syria under Russian orders for his safety. Assad did not address the mass graves being uncovered or the over 100,000 Syrians still missing. The report includes personal stories, such as a woman searching for her son for 11 years and two cousins freed from a regime prison who described being tortured. The report also mentions the use of a hydraulic press by Assad's guards to torture and kill detainees. Syrians are calling for Assad to be returned from Moscow to face trial for war crimes.
Key Points:
- Bashar al-Assad claims he was overseeing operations against rebels and left Syria under Russian orders.
- Assad did not address the mass graves or the missing 100,000 Syrians.
- Personal stories include a mother searching for her son for 11 years and freed prisoners describing torture.
- Assad's guards reportedly used a hydraulic press for torture and killings.
- Syrians demand Assad's return from Moscow to face trial for war crimes.