Mhajjah, a town in the northern countryside of Daraa province, with a population of approximately 25,000, has been suffering an almost complete siege for two years. The siege began when the regular Syrian army completely isolated the town from the east and west countryside of Darra by setting up check points and military zones round the town. These actions were undertaken in response to the town’s strategic importance, given that it is located between two major highways within Syria (Damascus-Darra, international highways).
The town experienced a relatively quiet state in the last few months due to a “truce” imposed on both civilians and local fighters under threat of completely cutting access to water, food, and power to the town. However, the situation has gotten worse despite this “truce.” During the last three months, for instance, Syrian regular army forces set up “sand berms” near civilian houses as well as ordered some individuals to leave their homes. In addition, the army also brought in several heavy weapons, like tanks, to back up the previous forces who already besieging the town.
Then on Monday 26, December 2016, Mhajjah residents were shocked to receive a letter from the regime stating they had 48 hours to choose between two options. Option one was to sign a comprehensive reconciliation statement that fails to guarantee residents and fighters would not be arrested, placed in extra-judicial proceedings, or executed. Option two was a clear threat to destroy the town militarily, as had occurred in different towns and cities in Syria when the first option was rejected.
The town residents have made frequent appeals to international organizations and committees for urgent intervention to spare civilians. The undersigned organizations in turn call for intervention to prevent potential massacres and enforced evacuations similar to those in Aleppo and many other Syrian cities.
The undersigned organizations are:
Syrians for Truth and Justice – STJ
Justice for Life Observatory in Deir Ezzor