2011 in Syria

Incumbents

Events

For events related to the Civil War, see Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (January–April 2011), Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (May–August 2011) and Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (September–December 2011)

January

February

March

Thousands took to the streets in the city of Daraa for a third day, shouting slogans against the country's emergency law. One person was killed and scores injured as security forces opened fire on protesters. The courthouse, the Baath party headquarters in the city, and Rami Makhlouf's Syriatel building were all set on fire.

Protests started to spread further across the country. Thousands of people took to the streets in Daraa and troops were sent to the city. Hundreds of people protested in Jassem and there were reports of protests in Banias, Homs and Hama.

It was reported that an 11-year-old boy had died of wounds suffered when Syrian security forces dispersed a protest rally in Daraa, and meanwhile, the Beirut-based al Akhbar newspaper accused Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri's Future Movement of paying the Syrian protesters something that which he immediately denied.

Demonstrators in Daraa set fire to the ruling Baath Party’s headquarters and other government buildings. Police officers fired live ammunition into the crowds, killing at least one and wounding scores of others, witnesses said. al-Assad made some conciliatory gestures, but crowds continued to gather in and around the Omari mosque in Dara’a, chanting their demands: the release of all political prisoners; trials for those who shot and killed protesters; the abolition of Syria’s 48-year emergency law; more freedoms; and an end to pervasive corruption.

There were protests in Daraa, Jassem, Nawa and Sanamayn. There were also reports of protests in Inkhil and rural areas around Damascus. In Daraa, gunfire and tear gas was reported near the Omari mosque, which is a major gathering spot for protesters.

An AFP photographer and cameraman were beaten by Syrian security forces in Daraa and had their equipment seized.

Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called for an investigation into the deaths of six protesters who had been killed by Syrian security forces in March.

There were reports that at least 15 protesters had been killed by security forces in southern Syria. At least six people were killed by security forces near Al-Omari mosque in Daraa, including a doctor and a paramedic. Witnesses reported that a 12-year-old girl had been killed by security forces near the mosque.

Mobile phone connections to Daraa were cut during the day and checkpoints were set up throughout the city and manned by soldiers. Security forces were also preventing ambulances from entering the city centre, where the mosque is located.

On the evening of the 23rd there were reports that Syrian security forces had opened fire on hundreds of young protesters who had been marching towards Daraa.

Around 20,000 protesters marched at the funerals of nine protesters killed by security forces in Daraa. Syrian Human Rights Committee reported that number of deaths rose to 32, while AFP reported that more than 100 people were killed by police gunfire in Daraa. Syria freed writer Louai Hussein, who was detained earlier this week for posting a petition online demanding the right to freedom of expression

After new online calls to a big demonstration after Friday prayers named "Friday of Glory" (Arabic: جمعة العزة‎‎), tens of thousands took to the streets in protest around the nation, defying a state that has once again demonstrated its willingness to use lethal force. Military troops opened fire during protests in the southern part of Syria and killed peaceful demonstrators, according to witnesses and news reports, hurtling the strategically important nation into turmoil.

There were reports that at least 20 people were killed in uprising in Daraa which drew over 100,000 people. A witness said that thousands of people chanted against the president's brother: "Maher you coward. Send your troops to liberate the Golan," A statue of Hafez al-Assad was dismantled and set on fire. The governor's home was also set on fire.

There were also reports of protests in Damascus, Deir ez-Zor, Homs, Latakia and Raqqa. There were reports that one demonstrator had been shot dead by security forces in Latakia and another had been killed in Homs. There were reports that dozens of protesters had died across the country.

A witness said that in Sanamayn, security forces killed 20 people. The official Syrian news agency said that an "armed gang" had attacked army headquarters there, that "resulted in the deaths of several attackers." The death of a civilian in Homs was blamed on an "armed group".

Most chants called for solidarity with Daraa and with the people killed there, for freedom, and against government corruption.

In Tafas, 3 protesters were killed by security forces. In Kafr Amim, Idlib there were a fire at the Baath Party headquarters.

The Sunni cleric Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi gave a sermon in Qatar in which he stated: "Today the train of revolution has arrived at a station that it was destined to reach, the Syrian station. It isn't possible for Syria to detach itself from the history of the Arab nation." Also Syrian Salafi cleric in Saudi exile Sheikh Adnan al-Arour advised the youth of the revolution to follow the Egyptian example and endure violence without responding in kind. He voiced hope that the president will intervene and form a dialogue committee to address legitimate grievances.

AFP reported that Syrian opposition leaders-in-exile called in Paris for the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad, asking France to maintain pressure on the Syrian leader to "halt the killing of innocents." A YouTube video showed protesters packed into Ar-Rifai mosque in Damascus and chanting "God, Syria, and freedom alone.". A leaked YouTube video purportedly filmed in the Syrian city of Homs shows security forces changing outfits to look like civilians in order to provoke anti-government protesters, reports have said.

17 people were killed in demonstration on way to Daraa, while 40 were killed near Omari Mosque, 25 died in al-Sanameen in Homs, 4 in Latakia, 3 in Damascus.

In the cities of Latakia and Tafas, Baath party buildings and police stations were set on fire. Armed gangs were blamed by the authorities for attempting to destabilize the country. The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the government controlled news agency, claimed that an armed group seized rooftops in many areas in Latakia, opening fire on citizens and security forces personnel. Two people were killed, and thousands more protested in Daraa. Two U.S. citizens were reported to be in the custody of Syrian authorities. Mohammed Radwan, 32, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Egypt, and Pathik "Tik" Root, 21, a student at Middlebury College in Vermont, were said to have been detained for involvement in anti-government uprising.

The Grand Mufti of Syria, Ahmad Bader Hassoun, said "Any citizen has the right to protest and call for freedom, but I will tell you, all those behind the bloodshed will be penalized. There are no army officials who opened fire at protesters, they only retaliated out of self-defense. After what happened, there should be reconciliation between the people. There are some corrupters in the country and the corrupters should be penalized". As a result of what happened in Homs on Friday, Iyad Ghazal, the governor of Homs was dismissed from his post.

Syrian officials reported that 12 people were killed in Latakia. An Al Jazeera clip on YouTube records the imam of the Ar-Rahman Mosque in Latakia telling an Al-Jazeera broadcaster that a massacre is occurring in the city.

Buthaina Shaaban, the president's media adviser, stated that the emergency law would be lifted, without giving any indication of when that will be. She also said that the President will appear publicly to address the Syrians and to give official statements of the steps that will be taken by the government. The Reuters news agency reported that two of its journalists are missing. They were last heard of from the night before, when they were expected to cross into Lebanon from Syria. Journalists Sobhi Hasan and Zaher Alamin were rearrested.

The Reuters news agency reported that its two missing journalists, both Lebanese nationals, had been in the custody of Syrian authorities since 26 March, but were released and they had returned to Lebanon.

Kuwaiti Sheikh Nabeel al-Awadi and Syrian Sheikh Issam al-Attar showed their support for Syrian anti-government uprising.

Hundreds of thousands demonstrated in support of President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Aleppo, Hasaka, Homs, Tartous and Hama. The Syrian newspaper Al-Watan reported that a major cabinet reshuffle was coming, and later that day, President Assad accepted the official resignation of the government led by Muhammad Naji al-Otari, while the latter will serve as caretaker prime minister until a new government is selected and officially announced.

Syrian actor Jamal Suliman announced via BBC that Syrian artists released a statement regarding the ongoing uprising. The artists voiced the importance of "implementing reforms" and the artists’ willingness to "stand by the political system in a serious and reform journey" as well as standing with the people.

It was reported that Ayat Basma and Ezzat Baltaji two Reuters journalists had gone missing near Damascus.

President Assad made a speech blaming foreign conspirators for the cause of the uprising and declaring that the emergency law will not be lifted as previously confirmed by Shaaban and instead the lift will be put to studies for future application. A YouTube video of a CNN report shows Syrian State television footage of a woman allegedly attacking Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s car following his speech on Wednesday.

Disappointed by the president's speech, protesters took to the street in Latakia, where they were fired on by police. Mass protests in Daraa to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government following his speech and reports of five new deaths and total of 200 "martyrs" in Daraa since uprising started. The investigative judge in Damascus refused to release the activist Suhair Attasi and four others.

Two more Reuters journalists Suleiman al-Khalidi and Khaled al-Hariri disappeared in Syria. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad established a commission to study the termination of the emergency law in his country.

Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that President al-Assad issued a decree raising the wages of state employees. The decision will go into effect as of 1 April.

A London-based rights group close to the Muslim Brotherhood said Thursday 25 people were killed by security forces in Latakia, northwest of the country, in a "bloodbath."

Early April

After online calls for a "Friday of martyrs" (Arabic: جمعة الشهداء‎‎), thousands of protesters emerged from Friday's prayers and took to the streets in multiple cities around Syria. Security forces opened fire on about 1,000 protesters in the suburb of Damascus, Douma, killing eight. In Damascus, hundreds gathered in Al Rifai mosque to protest after Friday prayers; however, government forces reportedly sealed the mosque and attacked those who tried to leave. Further south, in a small city outside Daraa, a demonstrator was killed during a protest there.

Over 2,000 people protested in support of Assad in the village of Buq'ata in the Golan Heights, while Syrian security forces arrested more than 20 people in Daraa and Homs, according to a human rights group. Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Erdogan said he will put pressure on Assad to create reforms.

Syrian authorities released 50-year-old Reuters photographer Khaled al-Hariri after six days in detention.

Assad appointed Adel Safar as the new Syrian prime minister and charged him with the task of forming a new government.

Assad appointed Mohammad Khaled al-Hannus as the new governor of Daraa. Meanwhile, thousands of Syrians marched through the shuttered streets of Douma, just outside Damascus, chanting antigovernment slogans as they buried at least eight victims of the crackdown on protests held 1 April.

Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the state news agency, reported that 8 prisoners were killed in a fire that was set by one of the prisoners in Latakia prison. Two police men were injured by the fire.

AFP reported the start of "Martyrs Week" (Arabic: أسبوع الشهداء‎‎), a series of rallies organized by the Syrian Revolution 2011 Facebook group in honor of those killed in recent security crackdowns on pro-reform demonstrations. According to state television, two policemen in rural Damascus were shot to death by unidentified perpetrators. 15 people died in protests in Kafr Batna in Syria.

Assad's government offered concessions to Sunnis and Kurds and that teachers would once again be allowed to wear the niqab. The government had also closed the country's only casino. Tens of thousands of Kurds residing in Syria will soon be granted Syrian citizenship.

The editor of Syrian government daily Teshreen said she is organizing talks with key opposition figures so that they can air their demands for political reforms. A politician close to the said that the Syrian parliament is preparing to adopt major reforms in May, including an end to emergency rule.

Minor protests took place across Syria, but the majority of protesters prepared for large demonstrations planned for Friday.

On the third Friday called "Friday of Resistance" (Arabic: جمعة الصمود‎‎), thousands of protesters took to streets in Daraa, Latakia, Tartus, Edlib, Baniyas, Qamishli, Homs and the Damascus suburb of Harasta, in the largest protest yet.

27 anti-government protesters were killed in Daraa and many other were wounded when security forces opened fire with rubber bullets and live rounds to disperse stone-throwing protesters. The clashes started when thousands of prayers staged rallies following the Friday prayers. In a telephone call one of the activists told the news agencies that demonstrators, starting from three mosques, have marched to the city's main court where they were confronted by security forces dressed in civilian clothing. A witness told Reuters he saw "snipers on roofs." It was also reported that another resident has seen "pools of blood and three bodies" in the Mahatta area of Daraa. The protesters have also smashed a stone statue of Basil al-Assad, the brother of the current President of the country, and set fire to a Ba'ath Party outpost. The state-run Syrian Television reported that 19 police officers and members of the security forces have been killed in Daraa.

At least three people were killed in Damascus's suburb city of Harasta and two people were killed and dozens wounded in Homs, Syria's third largest city. A human rights group said 37 people killed in protests across the country on Friday.

Witnesses in the city of Daraa reported that Syrian security forces fired live ammunition and tear gas at thousands of protesters who had gathered for a mass funeral near a mosque. In Latakia, witnesses said Syrian security forces used live ammunition to disperse hundreds of people who gathered to protest. Another witness said water trucks had been brought in and were hosing down the streets to wash away blood.

Mid April

The death toll of the previous day's events was up to 26 people in Daraa, 20 in the Homs neighborhood of Teldo and one in Baniyas. On 10 April's morning, militiamen alleged to be members of the shabbiha opened fire on demonstrators in front of the main mosquee of Baniyas, killing at least 4. Uprising also took place in Homs, Douma and Daraa. 9 soldiers of a unit of the Syrian army were killed in an armed ambush on a road near Baniyas, including two officers, while many others were injured.

Students in the Science faculty of Damascus University, located in the Baramkeh area in Damascus, began a demonstration in which they chanted for freedom and support of the people in Daraa and Baniyas. However, the Damascus University Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dr. Mohammad Said Mahasni, denied the reports, and said instead that a number of students gathered in front of the faculty, rejecting attempts of destabilizing Syrian national security, and chanting national slogans and support for Assad. In Baniyas, funerals for the 4 protesters who were shot down by the military led to a new demonstration, and security forces attacked the city until late at night.

The day started with a confirmation that one student was beaten to death by security forces during the demonstration at Damascus University one day earlier. Witnesses reported that the suburb of Bayda in Baniyas was surrounded by tanks, and ongoing gunfire by security forces had led to dozens of injuries, while neither ambulance cars nor necessary food-aid that had been sent from the nearby city Tartus were allowed to enter the village.

Hundreds of women took part in a march demanding the release of 350 men arrested in town of Bayda. Protests also spread to Aleppo University, as security forces and students clashed on the campus of Aleppo's faculty of literature and three students were arrested. In Damascus, about 50 students staged a pro-freedom protest at the faculty of law.

Assad announced the release of hundreds of prisoners that were "not involved in criminal acts", and that a new government had been formed (see Cabinet of Syria). In the coastal city of Baniyas (Banias), the army replaced the secret police. Shortly afterwards, a sniper killed one soldier and wounded another. Assad also met with a delegation from Deraa in his first direct contact with representatives close to the protesters.

300 people protested in Suwayda.

On "Friday of determination" (Arabic: جمعة الإصرار‎‎), tens of thousands of people held protests in several Syrian cities, including Baniyas, Latakia, Baida, Homs, and Deir ez-Zor. Al Jazeera reported that up to 50,000 protesters trying to enter Damascus from the Douma suburb were dispersed by security forces using tear gas, while in the Barzeh district of the capital violence erupted when dozens of armed men in plain clothes surrounded about 250 protesters rallying in front of a mosque. On the other hand, thousands demonstrated in Daraa, but security forces were not visible in the city, as the authorities reportedly allowed the uprising to take place.

Thousands of people marched in Deraa chanting anti-government slogans, while in the Damascus suburb of Douma, 1,500 residents staged a sit-in, demanding the release of 140 people arrested a day earlier.

In Majdal Shams In the Israeli controlled area of the Golan heights, almost 200 people demonstrated in opposition to Assad and the government.

On the same day, Assad spoke to the People's Assembly in a televised speech, stating that he expects his government to lift the emergency law the following, and acknowledging there is a gap between citizens and the state, and that government has to "keep up with the aspirations of the people". Later in the day he welcomed his new cabinet with a speech containing more specifics (full text). He spoke of the importance of reaching "a state of unity, unity between the government, state institutions and the people"; stressed the need for dialogue and consultation in multiple channels, popular support, trust and transparency; explained the interrelatedness of reform and the needs of citizens for services, security and dignity. He stated the first priorities were citizenship for Kurds, lifting the state of emergency in the coming week or at the latest the week after, regulating demonstrations without chaos and sabotage, political party law, local administration law in both structure and elections, and new and modern media law, all with public timeframes. The next topics were unemployment, the economy, rural services, attracting investment, the public and private sectors, justice, corruption, petty bribery, tax reform and reducing government waste, followed by tackling government itself with more participation, e-government, decentralization, effectiveness and efficiency, as well as closer cooperation with civil society, mass organizations and trade unions.

About 300 protesters took to the streets in Suweida, but were dispersed by security forces. Reportedly, demonstrations also took place in Aleppo, Baniyas, Homs, and Hirak, mostly chanting slogans for political freedom. SANA reported seizure of a large number of weapons hidden in a lorry coming in from Iraq. Security forces opened fire on a funeral procession on a highway outside the town of Talbiseh, killing three people. In Homs, clashes between protesters and security forces took place after a tribal leader died in custody. 12 protesters were killed.

A high-ranked officer of the Syrian army; brigadier-general Abdo Kheder al-Tellawi was shot dead by an armed group in Homs along with his 2 children and nephew. According to the director of the National Hospital of Homs Dr. Ghassan Tannous, the bodies of the victims have been maimed and mutilated with the use of sharp tools. More than 10,000 demonstrators staged an anti-government sit-in in Homs, and a massive funeral procession for six demonstrators who had been killed also took place in the city. In Baniyas, about 300 children released balloons with slogans calling on Assad to leave power.

Security forces shot dead at least 13 people when dispersing a protest. The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced that the latest developments in Syria such as the killing of policemen, army soldiers and civilians and terrifying people are all armed mutiny led by extremist Salafi armed groups.

A colonel-pilot of the Syrian air forces; Mohammad Abdo Khaddour was shot dead by an armed group in front of his home in Homs. Police forces use combat rounds and tear gas to disperse a sit-in, deaths are confirmed, but their number is unknown. Police forces cause 3 deaths after opening fire on a funeral mourning dead protesters. The authorities vowed to "crush any new uprising". A witness reported that the gunfire lasted at least two hours.

Activists said that 4000 university students protested in Daraa. Around 20 students protested at the faculty of medicine of Aleppo University where they were quickly denied and absorbed by a pro-Assad rally.

Late April

Protesters call for Friday to be their biggest yet, in what they dub as "the Great Friday" (Arabic: الجمعة العظيمة‎‎).

For the first time, major demonstrations occurred in Damascus itself. Other cities where protesting was particularly strong were in Daraa, Baniyas, Qamishli, and Homs. The Douma and Harasta sections of Damascus were particularly filled with protesters. Firing throughout the country resulted 88 deaths among security forces and protesters, making it the bloodiest day so far.

Throughout the country, funerals for fallen protesters occurred. Snipers reportedly fired, killing 8 people in Daraa with 5 members of the security forces among them.

A Syrian human rights organisation said that 9 civilians were killed in Jableh by security forces and pro-Assad gunmen.

Tanks and soldiers entered Daraa and Douma. The border with Jordan was also closed. According to an activist, 18 people were killed in Daraa.

The army continued its crack down into the 27th of April, and over the span of three days arrested over 500 people. Several dozen died from the raids. The Syrian government intensified their raids using more tanks and brigades. 2 Jordanian civilians were amongst those killed. On 27 April 233 members of the Ba'ath Party, amongst them parliament members, resigned over the violence against protesters and civilians.

It has been confirmed that there are defections from within the Syrian army. Two battalions were sent into Deraa on 25 April, the fourth division and the fifth division. The fifth division refused to open fire on protesters, and there has been gun battles between the fourth and fifth divisions. The fourth division is controlled directly by Maher Assad, Bashar's brother.

Bashar's forces have cut off Daraa's water supply and electricity several days ago, as well as other cities in Syria. They have confiscated flour and food as well, in an effort to starve the people of Daraa. Activists called for another Friday of protests, dubbed "Solidarity with Daraa day".

Protests occurred nationwide including in Damascus in order to show solidarity with Daraa. At least 62 civilians were reported killed, many from Daraa.

The military increased their presence with more tanks and military helicopters. Snipers were positioned on buildings. Tanks began firing indiscriminately on houses, and also destroyed the local mosque. Snipers and military vehicles were also placed in other cities in the country such as Homs. Activists had called for this week, starting this Sunday, to be the "week of breaking the siege of Daraa" with the aim of stopping the siege on Daraa.

A video taken allegedly shows the dead bodies of protesters from Daraa wrapped in burial cloth and gathered and stored in a refrigerated room, as the people of Daraa are unable to burial them due to the military and sniper presence.

Early May

Protesters throughout Syria remained defiant despite intensifying arrests and attacks in Daraa and Douma.

The Syrian military continued shelling homes in Daraa with tanks.

As the military siege on Daraa continues, Assad's security forces killed 40 civilians the previous day elsewhere in the town of Tel Kalakh. By 2 May, 4000 people crossed the border into Lebanon.

The deadly military siege on Daraa continued. Arrests intensified in Damascus, with large protests anticipated for Friday after prayers.

Dozens of tanks have been sent to the Syrian city of Homs as part of the crackdown. Syrian army tanks raid Saqba and other suburbs of Damascus. The Syrian army pulled out of Daraa By the end of the day the army prepared to attack Baniyas as it did in Daraa.

About 100 tanks and troop transports converged on the town of Al-Rastan, after anti-government protesters toppled a statue of the late Syrian president Hafez al-Assad and pledged to press ahead with their revolution despite sweeping arrests by Bashar al-Assad's government.

Many anti-government protests occurred, starting mainly in the Kurdish Northeast and Damascus suburbs. Baniyas, Homs, and Hama were also among the cities which witnessed large demonstrations. 11 members of the Syrian army were killed by an armed group in Homs as a result of an armed attack on a military checkpoint. 16 civilians in Homs and Hama were shot dead by security forces.

The Syrian army began a siege on Baniyas, with at least 6 civilians dead on 7 May, among them 4 women.

The Syrian army began a siege on Tafas, near Daraa, and arrested at least 250 people there.

The Syrian army continued its house to house raid on Baniyas, Tafas, Homs. Arrests were ongoing in Damascus as well, where gunfire was heard.

Mid May

The Syrian army prepared a siege on Hama, as the siege on Baniyas, Tafas, and Homs, and Damascus continued. The European Union imposed sanctions on 13 government individuals including Maher al-Assad, Bashar's brother, who commands the security brigades. Kuwait will also replace Syria for bid on membership of the UN human rights council due to Syria's oppression of protesters.

In an escalation of the siege on Homs, tanks were sent in and began shelling buildings, with at least 5 killed. Secretary general of the UN Ban Ki-moon demanded that the UN have access to Daraa.

Mass arrests were carried out in Allepo against students who protested. The siege of Homs, Tafas, and Baniyas continued. Tanks were sent towards Hama. Dael, Jassem, and Al-Harah were also under siege by tanks and troops.

Bashar Al-Assad reportedly ordered the Syrian army "not to shoot" at protesters ahead of expected Friday protests. Security forces have set up checkpoints and roadblocks all across Syria. Demonstrations first began in Hama and Qamishli and Homs. Towns across the Kurdish northeast protested as Kurds have been intensifying their protests. Thousands rallied in Daraa where security forces fired warning shots. Thousands rallied in Damascus, where police presence was especially large, particularly in the Midan suburb, where thousands of officers were deployed to stop them from entering other parts of Damascus. People tried to protest in Baniyas and Latakia, but were shot at with live ammunition.

Three people were shot killed by security forces in Homs, 2 in Damascus, and 1 in Daraa. Despite the intensified crackdown and massive police and army presence, the strength and the amount of protesters in Damascus appeared to have only increased.

The government continued to prevent food from being sent to Daraa, in an effort to starve people into stopping their protests. The army launched a siege on Talkalakh, killing four civilians and sending hundreds to seek refugee in Lebanon. Protesting occurred in several cities, including Daraa. Funerals for slain protesters were held in Damascus's suburbs. The Kurds protesting in the north have called on all opposition forces in and out of Syria to unite into one party aiming at transferring Syria from a dictatorship to a democracy.

The Syrian army's siege across the country continued, especially in Talkalakh, where 7 civilians were killed by Syrian army snipers when trying to cross the border into Lebanon. By this point 5,000 people had crossed the border intio Lebanon. In Daraa people found a mass grave when they were allowed to walk out of Daraa by security forces, only for a curfew to be put back in when they found the mass grave.

The chief of the Politaical Security Forces of Homs and 4 other officers were killed by an armed group in Talkalakh. The civilian death toll from the Syrian army's siege on Talkalakh risen to 27. Thousands attended funerals for slain protesters in Damascus the previous day. University students attempted to protest in Allepo, but were dispersed by an immense security presence. Activists called for a general strike in Syria starting Wednesday.

The general strike did not affect Damascus significantly, which is mostly blamed on the fear factor. Other towns saw greater levels of general strike. The USA put up sanctions on six top Syrian government officials, including Bashar al-Assad. As the opposition promised to continue their campaign, shootings and arrests of protesters were ongoing in Syria, as well as the siege and starvation of Talkalakh.

Late May

Over 23 people, including 2 boys, were killed by security forces across Syria. Most of the deaths occurred in Homs. For the first time Assyrian Christians joined protests, in which many were arrested. Protesters burned down the Ba'ath headquarters in Abou-Kamal. 4 protesters were killed in the Berze section of Damascus, where security forces surrounded it and shut off its electricity. 9 of the 23 dead protesters were killed in Hama, and another 9 in Kafr Nabal. Qamishli saw large protests by the Kurds. Other cities that saw thousands protest were Hama, Homs, Sanamin, Hassake, Amouda, Ras al-Ain, Tel, Baniyas, and Latakia.

The death toll from Friday through Saturday rose to 76. Security forces in Homs fired on a funeral procession, killing 22 mourners. A video released allegedly shows soldiers gathering dead bodies of Syrian protesters and mocking them.

Human rights groups say the civilian death toll has reached over 1,100. They also confirmed that soldiers who refused to fire on civilians were executed by the Syrian army. A large number of opposition groups are reportedly planning to meet in Turkey at the end of the month; to attempt to elect a transitional council, connect with protesters inside the country, and present the international community with a clear alternative to Assad.

Hamza Ali Al-Khateeb's tortured lifeless body was delivered to his family with three gunshot wounds, his genitals cut off & bruises all over. Hamza was a 13 years old Syrian boy, he lived with his parents in a village called “Al Jeezah” or “Al Giza” in Daraa governorate. He joined his family in a rally to break the siege of the city of Daraa. He was detained among hundreds of Syrian during the massacre of Siada, where citizens of Deraa were randomly killed by Syrian security forces. Hamza was detained amongst hundreds. According to his autopsy he was shot down after cutting his genitals. The chief of Syria's medical examiners association Dr. Akram El-Shaar denying that Hamza was tortured, claimed that he supervised the autopsy in Damascus and that the boy did not have any sign of torture. Also claiming that all signs of disfigurement were due to decay.

Protesters plan to launch more large demonstrations Friday. This Friday dubbed, Honor to the Guardians, will focus on asking the Syrian army to defend its people rather than its government.

Protests occurred throughout the country. A total of 7 protesters died. Cities where several thousand protested in each included Baniyas, Berze, Qatana, Deir al-Zur, Zabadani, Dael, Daraa, Ablu Kamal, and Homs. Tens of thousands protested in Hama.

In the Daraa area, a 13-year-old boy by the name of Hamza al-Khateeb was detained by Syrian security forces, tortured, had his genitalia cut off, and then killed by them breaking his neck. His body shows copious signs of burn and whip markings, as well as bullet holes in each arm.

Deaths