E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Shaam News Network via AP
This image made from amateur video purports to show 11-year-old Ali el-Sayed, a survivor of the Houla massacre that left 108 people dead.
BEIRUT -- When the gunmen began to slaughter his family, 11-year-old Ali el-Sayed says he fell to the floor of his home, soaking his clothes with his brother's blood to fool the killers into thinking he was already dead.
The Syrian boy tried to stop himself from trembling, even as the gunmen, with long beards and shaved heads, killed his parents and all four of his siblings, one by one.
The youngest to die was Ali's brother, 6-year-old Nader. His small body bore two bullet holes -- one in his head, another in his back.
"I put my brother's blood all over me and acted like I was dead," Ali told The Associated Press over Skype on Wednesday, his raspy voice steady and matter-of-fact, five days after the killing spree that left him both an orphan and an only child.
NYT: US envoy fears Syria conflict will develop into sectarian war in Mideast
The AP contacted Ali through anti-regime activists in Houla who arranged for an interview with the child over Skype. Activists say he is one of the few survivors of a weekend massacre in the collection of poor farming villages and olive groves in Syria's central Homs province. More than 100 people were killed, many of them women and children who were shot or stabbed in their houses.
Alex Thomson, reporting for NBC News has the first report from inside the Syrian town of Houla where more than a hundred people were massacred, nearly half of them children. Villagers, eager to tell their stories, said they were attacked by pro-government Shia and Allawite militia. The Syrian government claims the massacre was the work of terrorists.
Almost all foreign journalists and observers banned from Syria so the boy's story cannot be independently verified. However, there is evidence to support Ali's version of events -- namely the pictures of 49 children shot or hacked to death in Houla on Friday.
The Houla killings brought immediate, worldwide condemnation of President Bashar Assad, who has unleashed a violent crackdown on an uprising that began in March 2011. Activists say as many as 13,000 people have been killed since the revolt began.
Inside Syria: War-torn Homs scarred by violence, riddled with fear
U.N. investigators and witnesses blame at least some of the Houla killings on shadowy gunmen known as "shabiha" who operate on behalf of Assad's government.
Recruited from the ranks of Assad's Alawite religious community, the militiamen enable the government to distance itself from direct responsibility for the execution-style killings, torture and revenge attacks that have become hallmarks of the shabiha. In many ways, the shabiha are more terrifying than the army and security forces, whose tactics include shelling residential neighborhoods and firing on protesters. The swaggering gunmen are deployed specifically to brutalize and intimidate Assad's opponents.
Neera Tanden of the Center for American Progress and former Deputy White House Press Secretary Tony Fratto discuss how the escalating crisis in Syria has become a 2012 campaign issue.
Activists who helped collect the dead in the aftermath of the Houla massacre described dismembered bodies in the streets, and row upon row of corpses shrouded in blankets.
"When we arrived on the scene we started seeing the scale of the massacre," said Ahmad al-Qassem, a 35-year-old activist. "I saw a kid with his brains spilling out, another child who was no more than 1 year old who was stabbed in the head. The smell of death was overpowering."
The regime denies any responsibility for the Houla killings, blaming them on terrorists. And even if the shabiha are responsible for the killings, there is no clear evidence that the regime directly ordered the massacre in a country spiraling toward civil war.
US expels Syria diplomat over Houla massacre
As witness accounts begin to leak out, it remains to be seen what, exactly, prompted the massacre. Although the Syrian uprising has been among the deadliest of the Arab Spring, the killings in Houla stand out for their sheer brutality and ruthlessness.
According to the U.N., which is investigating the attack, most of the victims were shot at close range, as were Ali's parents and siblings. The attackers appeared to be targeting the most vulnerable people, such as children and the elderly, to terrorize the population.
Despite the discovery of another atrocity following the recent massacre in Huola, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad showed no sign of relinquishing his power. NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports.
In the wake of the attack, Western diplomats warned that Syria is nearing full-blown sectarian civil war that would be catastrophic for the entire Middle East, and urged Russia to end its support for Assad and put pressure on him to stop the bloodshed.
Syrians shot while trying to cross border into Lebanon
With anti-Assad rebels urging international envoy Kofi Annan to declare his peace plan dead, freeing them from any commitment to the tattered truce, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday that the prospect of spiraling violence presented "terrible" danger.
"A civil war in a country that would be driven by sectarian divides ... could then morph into a proxy war in the region because, remember, you have Iran deeply embedded in Syria," Clinton said during a trip to Copenhagen where she urged Moscow to increase pressure on Assad.
US student killed while filming violence in Syria
Russia, like China, has vetoed two Security Council resolutions calling for tougher action against Damascus, while stressing hopes that Annan's plan can spur a political solution. Washington called a reported shipment of Russian arms to Syria "reprehensible" although not illegal.
"The Russians keep telling us they want to do everything they can to avoid a civil war because they believe that the violence would be catastrophic," Clinton said.
"I think they are in effect propping up the regime at a time when we should be working on a political transition."
Russia blames 'both sides' for Syria massacre
According to activists in and around Houla area, the massacre came after the army pounded the villages with artillery and clashed with local rebels following anti-regime protests. Several demonstrators were killed, and the rebels were forced to withdraw. The pro-regime gunmen later stormed in, doing the bulk of the killing.
'Why did you take them?'
Syrian activist Maysara Hilaoui said he was at home when the massacre in Houla began. He said there were two waves of violence, one starting at 5 p.m. Friday and a second at 4 a.m. Saturday.
"The shabiha took advantage of the withdrawal of rebel fighters," he said. "They started entering homes and killing the young as well as the old."
Ali, the 11-year-old, said his mother began weeping the moment about 11 gunmen entered the family home in the middle of the night after arriving in a military armored vehicle and a bus. The men led Ali's father and oldest brother outside.
"My mother started screaming 'Why did you take them? Why did you take them?'" Ali said.
Soon afterward, he said, the gunmen killed Ali's entire family.
Jamie Ruben, former Assistant Secretary of State, joins MSNBC's NOW with Alex to talk about U.S.-Syria relations following violent clashes in Syria that has brought the death toll up over the last year to thousands.
As Ali huddled with his youngest siblings, a man in civilian clothes took Ali's mother to the bedroom and shot her five times in the head and neck.
"Then he left the bedroom. He used his flashlight to see in front of him," Ali said. "When he saw my sister Rasha, he shot her in the head while she was in the hallway."
Inside Syria rebel stronghold: 'It was as if the city was on mute'
Ali had been hiding near his brothers Nader, 6, and Aden, 8. The gunmen shot both of them, killing them instantly. He then fired at Ali but missed.
"I was terrified," Ali said, speaking from Houla, where relatives have taken him in. "My whole body was trembling."
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
More world news from msnbc.com and NBC News:
- Chinese activist: My nephew may be being tortured
- Will crisis-hit Ireland rebel against harsh remedy for ailing Europe?
- 'Very clear' signs of Iran sanitizing military site, Western diplomat says
- Porn actor wanted for murder over body parts in Canada mail
- Drinking beer at the London Olympics will cost you
- Tribesmen release two 2 US tourists kidnapped in Egypt
- Report: Hundreds detained in Tibet after self-immolations
Follow us on Twitter: @msnbc_world
Leave a Comment:
Arab men and woman need to enlist and come to their rescue. No American men or woman.
Ever notice.....
It's 'always' the United Snakes (US/Israel) procured weapons, munitions and mercenaries doing the killing and mayhem in these imperialistc Middle Eastern wars. It's no wonder God is sending the bankrupt US/NATO oil thieves 'down the tubes' and into Hell's kitchen.'
There are no words in any language that can express what this poor child has had to endure. I believe he was spared to let the world know what is happening in his country. May God keep and protect him.
Yes. I think we've lost sight of the fact that the article was about the horrors of war, as witnessed by an 11 year old boy who watched his whole family die.
Tough life.Let's keep our focus on our people,on our problems.Like for starters NOT bringing more of ANY of these people here.
Sorry for him losing his parents.
I still want this kid on my team, Survival Instinct's for the win MotherF***er
It will be a good day when I open the news paper to find that both Assad and his wife have been erased from the planet.....it is coming soon enough.
If this story is in fact true, why would MSNBC risk revealing and publicizing the identity of this brave young man? Another example of poor judgment in journalism by our friends at the NBC family. Shame on you.
because he sent it to them via message to b sure his story was heard and for help uh duh
Yassar, the UNITED SNAKES (US/Israel/NATO) are smuggling mercenaries and heavy weapons into Syria hoping to take out Messer Assad to hopefully make the Muddled East safer for Jewish terrorism and of course US imperialism. Let us pray that 'evil' does not succeed (Remembering the murder and mayhem commited by these war criminals in Libya, Gaza, AF/PAK, Somalia, Yemen and places 'only God and these bible demons know about.").
I sense a tad bit of discontent towards the Western Powers and maybe even some anti-Semitism/anti-Christian sentiment. Go ahead and breed more hate and more sectarianism this will solve all problems and answer all questions.
Dementia is not becoming.
Ta-Da!!!!
Dual Loyalty Jew James Rubin, at the devils gate (((spitting out))) pro-Israel venom, as always.
Never a shortage of Jews on the US Jewish owned and operated corporate media (((prodding))) the US to take out yet another one of pariah Israel's endless enemies, huh Pilgrims?
Tell us, CowBoy, who even brought up the Jewish people until you inserted them?
It reads like Arab SS raiding the ghettos of Syria to me. I thought we wouldn't accept those behaviors anymore. Atocious. It calls for action.
This is one of the saddest stories I've read in years. The animals who did this should die slowly, painfully and publically. I don't like myself for thinking that way, but murdering children like so many head of beef in a stockyard..... These people deserve to feel what they put their victoms through.
Anybody remember the Iraqi soldiers throwing babies from incubators on to the cold floor to die? remember the young girl sobbing as she told of this horrifying event to the world that she alone witnessed.Well she was lying to the world and American politicians knew she was lying.Hill and Knowlton told her what to say and how to say it.I remember this event,this vile lie, told to sway public opinion to support military intervention and it is why I am looking directly into this young boys eyes.What do I see?a boy who should be so obviously in a state of shock having watched his entire family slaughtered looking like he has been told off for not making his bed.This stinks of propaganda and not even very good propaganda.
Well , The boy said Shaved heads Long Beards , Well Hilary , McCain , Lieberman , Obama , Its Alqaeda you smart people , Assad people do not do that , SHAVED their Heads and Long Beards , but I guess It does not matter , Our masters the Saudis and Qataris and Israel told us to say the Syrian Government did it , Its your boys SAUDI , it's YOUR MONEY AND WEAPONS KILLING THE SYRIANS CIVILIANS , ANY BODY MENTIONED THE 27000 CHRISTIANS AND THE BURNED CHURCH'S , OR NO BODY CARE'S , I HOPE ASSAD KILL ALL THESE ALQAEDA AND EVERY BODY THAT GOES INTO SYRIA TO KILL INNOCENT PEOPLE . WE SHOULD HAD ENOUGH LIES FROM THE Iraqi WAR TO LIBYAN WAR. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH .
Wow, these shabiha guys sound like some "REAL" tough guys. I mean, stabbing 1 yr olds to death in the head, killing every man woman and child in site. Whew, they must be proud of themselves not letting a 6 yr old kick their ass.
These must be some real brave men. Real MODERN. Using rifles on children so the kids don't hurt them first.
What the f uck man!
I don't even know if I could have done what that 11 yr old did at my age. I guess growing up in an uncivilized 3rd world country, you're used to this type of stuff and can hold your own.
What a god dam shame.
Creek Dog The shabiha did not do this , the ones that did this , Are the rebels we are sending arms to , with the help of our Friend and ( Alqaeda protectors ) , The Saudis and Qataris , Our Intel. told us Alqaeda are in Syria , What are you people listening to , These Shaved heads and long Beards , are Typical Muslim Brother hood looks . Evidently we forgot Bin Ladin and his group. The Assad regime asked the UN to come in to Syria , And then decided to kill his civilians in front of them . you all give this guy little credit , They only ruled Syria for 40 years. This Guy is not what your CNN and NBC AND FOX , ALJAZEERA , AL ARABIA Trying to tell you . I REMEMBER THE WMD'S , The babies being killed by Saddam and all the Mobil Chemical Trucks that Mr. POWELL showed the world , Any body remember that , From reading you all your comments , you all forgot all about that . ONE MORE TIME , ISRAEL , SAUDIS , QATARIS , TURKS , AND WITH THE HELP OF THE US AND NATO WANT TO OVER THROW THE ASSAD BECAUSE HE IS AN ALLY TO IRAN , NOTHING MORE AND NOTHING LESS , THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE HIM THE DEVIL HIMSELF , BUT THAT'S WHAT OUR POLITICIANS DO BEST , WHEN THEY DO NOT LIKE SOME COUNTRY . IRAN , IRAN , IRAN THAT;S ALL WHAT WE HEAR NOW , WHAT THE HELL IS IRAN DOING TO US , NOTHING , WAKE UP PEOPLE BEFORE ITS TOO LATE , THEY ARE GOING TO TAKE US TO ANOTHER WAR , WE CAN NOT AFFORD THIS , NOT MONEY OR TROOPS . OUR TROOPS HAVE HAD ENOUGH , NO MORE WARS , SO SOMEBODY ELSE CAN GET RICH AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SUFFER.
Sorry Syria...and it's unfortunate inhabitants.....no resources for us to exploit = no help....at least immiediatley...many more must die first.....
Leave inernal affairs to SYria. Hey fatf**k CLinton keep your ugly face out of those peoples affairs. Your a stupid moron. Those people llive that way for at 1200 years. Darwin's Theory will prevail if morons like you and the stupid westernallies baboons butt out.
People, don't you understand
The child needs a helping hand
Or he'll grow to be an angry young man some day
Take a look at you and me,
Are we too blind to see,
Do we simply turn our heads, And look the other way
Well the world turns
And a hungry little boy with a runny nose
Plays in the street as the cold wind blows....
Logicical Sorry But I want to here in the US and see how many Children's watch their parents do Drugs . and abuse them , So we need to feel sorry for the Child , Tell that to Clinton , McCain and the rest of the politicians that helping Alqaeda in Syria and Arming them . They are doing the same thing in Lebanon , I hate to tell buddy , But we start more trouble around the world , Simple to please our Brutal Allies , Saudis , Qataris and off course the main spoiled Child ( ISRAEL ) . OUR whole foreign policy surround around Israel , That's why we went to Iraq and now trying to start trouble with Iran . and trying to destroy Syria Because of Israel . If you do not know that , Well I got some ocean front in Arizona .
now that Ali has been identified and is known to be living with relatives, I hope they don't seek him out and slaughter him for speaking about what happened. These murderers will spare no one
Have you ever known the Middle East and muslim extremists to ever be "at peace"? No....you haven't. This is what they do....they aren't happy unless they are slaughtering someone....anyone will do. It's their barbaric nature to kill indiscriminately and wreak havoc on everything and everyone. Can you name a time when the middle east was at peace.....you can't, because they never are. This is a blatant example of what they do best. This will continue until we either kill them all or kill them all. That is the only way to they will find peace and the rest of us can find peace as well. Really....this has gone on wayyyyy too long.
China and Russia are a joke made of bad taste idiots.. sorry, but for vetoeing an intervention is just as bad. I have no respect for them, Assad, if he really loved his people, he would never let it happen... This boy, oh my god, to have to use his own brother's blood on him ... how can they let it happen.. how the world is not doing anything?
Predator missile + Assad= -1 big problem
thats why we must maintain the right to bear arms in the u.s. this could one day happen to us, and we must be prepared to defend and protect ourselves. our govt. is letting people in that want to ruin our country and its citizens, we have to protect ourself.
The child identifies men with shaved heads and long beards. As I recall that is not characteristic of Shiite or Sunni in general - but is characteristic of the Wahabi sect of Saudi Arabia ( ie: Bin Laden types ). Makes one wonder as to who exactly was responsible for this.