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     Syrian Opposition Condemns 'Large-Scale Massacre' by Government Forces

   The Syrian opposition is condemning what it calls a "large-scale
   massacre" by government forces and loyalist militias that reportedly
   left dozens dead in a northwest city.
   The Syrian National Coalition alleged that forces loyal to President
   Bashar al-Assad "were directly involved in the execution and burning of
   at least 150 people, including women and children" in the village of
   Bayda on Thursday.
   The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on
   a network of sources on the ground, says it has documented at least 50
   deaths from the incident. But it warned the actual toll may be much
   higher, since many have disappeared.
   The predominantly Sunni village of Bayda is located just south of the
   region of Banias, which is home to many members of the Alawite minority
   sect to which Mr. Assad belongs. The two-year uprising has been led by
   Syria`s Sunni Muslim majority.
   In its statement Friday, the Syrian National Council called on the
   international community to intervene to stop Mr. Assad`s "grievous
   crimes," which it said constitute war crimes and genocide.
   U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Thursday the Obama
   administration is reconsidering arming the rebels, but said no final
   decisions had been reached.
   The announcement comes days after the White House said evidence
   suggests possible government use of chemical weapons during the
   fighting - something Mr. Obama has said would represent a "red line."
   The U.S. has been providing non-lethal aid to Syrian rebels, but has
   been hesitant to provide weapons out of fear they could eventually
   reach the hands of extremists who are also fighting the government.
   Rights groups have accused both government and rebel forces of
   committing war crimes during the conflict, which has killed at least
   70,000 people.
   On Friday, Amnesty International said both sides have killed, arrested,
   and tortured dozens of journalists since the 2011 uprising began. The
   report, which was released on International Press Freedom Day, said
   both all sides are committing war crimes, but said the scale of abuse
   by government forces are much greater.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/syrian-opposition-condemns-largescale
   -massacre-by-government-forces/1653687.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/syrian-opposition-condemns-largescale-massacre-by-government-forces/1653687.html