Tension mounts in Aleppo as assassinations rise

(Translation by Dani Murad)

(Zaman Alwasl- Aleppo)- Amid the ongoing Syrian war, anonymous groups in most of the Syrian cities; have assassinated many peaceful activists, political figures and revolutionary leaders, in an attempt to spread fear among the opposition’s rows.

In this regard, a military source in Aleppo revealed to Zaman Alwasl that assassinations of activists and armed rebels have increased lately in some areas in the city of Aleppo.

And in a related context, Zaman Alwasl has observed through different sources, the occurrence of more than 5 cases of assassination and kidnapping of rebels in less than a week in Aleppo, when some gunmen tried about a week ago, at three in the morning to shoot on a media activist in “ Al Shaar” area, but he was able to flee and informed the nearest battalion in the area, which in turn rescued him and arrested the armed group, and during the investigation it turned out to be an armed gang that is likely to be affiliated with the regime .

Moreover, the so called “Abu Islam”, one of the military commanders in Al-Fajr Islamic Movement, was kidnapped a few days ago by unidentified group in the neighborhood of "Kallaseh", while some gunmen also tried to kidnap a military official near "Alhawoz" area; about a week ago, but he managed to escape.

On the other hand, “Aleppo's News Network” has announced the death of its correspondent “Omar Al Shabah" in addition to a relief activist

, who were killed a week after their abduction and their bodies were thrown on the road of “Al-Nayrab airport” near "Alhawoz" roundabout in the city of Aleppo.

And in an interview with Zaman Alwasl, one of the military leaders in Aleppo has accused two entities to be behind the assassinations and kidnappings, either regime’s Shabiha who have always targeted activists and revolutionaries since the beginning of the revolution, or gangs of armed robbers.

And according to him, the rebels are trying to intensify the checkpoints at night, applying more security investigations, and advising civilians and activists not to go out at night unless it’s absolutely necessary after taking the necessary precautions.

While activists have held the responsibility of the kidnapping to the Shariah Authority, the free police, and other security institutions operating in Aleppo, which claim to be responsible for the security and protection of people from kidnapping and theft.