Three months ago, several coordinated assaults on July 25 by IS carried out suicide bombings, shootings and stabbings that left more than 250 people dead, most of them civilians in the Druze populated region of Syria, Sweida. Sweida province is the heartland of the country’s Druze minority, which made up around three percent of Syria’s pre-war population — or around 700,000 people. A minority population that has a relatively independent view of the political situation in Syria and doesn't necessarily "conform" with the official government position and policy in the region. One can say that they are a minority with a "stand" on their own.
More than 36 women and children were taken as hostages on 25 July 2018 by IS and practically nothing much happened after that besides their continuous suffering and the tremendous worry by their families and relatives. The IS executed a 19-year-old male student among the hostages in August and then a 25-year-old woman in early October. The 19 yrs old Druze young man killing was brutal and the broadcast of it terrorized the world. Possibly the same terrible faith riched the 25yrs old women. IS said a 65-year-old woman being held by the group also died from illness.
The Media briefly reflected the event between 27 Jul - 5 Aug 2018 and somehow "forgot" about them. However, everyone knew how bad they can be mistreated in captivity and even more.
Change.org with the Change.org's Supporters was one of the persistent and continuous groups who DID NOT FORGET about the kidnapped women and children. Updates and emails were sent frequently to the recipients nominated in the petition which included UN officials, EU power makers and celebrities.
The volcanic plateau of Tulul al-Safa in the east of the province since the July attack held numerous battles between a specific group that lost 227 and killed 414 from the IS. Negotiations between regime ally Russia and the IS for the release of the hostages had stalled. But the latest round of talks appeared to have paid off — albeit it with a stiff price. Air strikes on IS targets in another part of the eastern pocket killed at least 41 civilians, 10 of them children, on Thursday and Friday (18 Oct 2018 and 19 Oct 2018).
War. Sad, Terrible. 21 Century, unforgivable.
Six hostages were released at a huge price. Further hostage releases were expected “in the next few days or hours.” Some facts point to a speculation that in return for the release of all of the hostages, the Syrian government had agreed to free 60 Islamic State prisoners and pay a ransom of $27 million.“Nine IS women prisoners held by the regime have already been handed over to the group along with seven children...”
Human life and sufferings. Money. Life for Life. Downgrading.
However, still a positive news: 6 are free and we have hope for more!
Please, continue the support until the issue is resolved.
Thank you for being supporters.