Syria government forces executed at least 248 civilians: human rights group

Syrian government forces and pro-regime militias summarily executed at least 248 men, women and children in one of the deadliest attacks since the start of the conflict in Syria more than two years ago, a report from Human Rights Watch said Friday.

The killings took place in the towns of al-Bayda and Baniyas on May 2 and 3, according to the the report.

The international non-governmental organization said its investigation was based on video evidence and interviews with 15 al-Bayda residents and five from Baniyas, including witnesses who said they saw or heard government and pro-government forces detain and then execute their relatives.

(2013-09-12/worldnews)