Syrian opposition's volunteer medics keep working, despite death threats

Even before the rebels took root in Aleppo – Syria's most populous city, northern commercial hub, and in the past largely pro-regime – the government "intensified its hunt for the wounded and for those who provide life-saving emergency treatment to them" across the country, Amnesty said. Such regime violations were part of an "increasingly entrenched pattern of crimes against humanity."

Abu Walid, who wore a blue T-shirt and shorts in the heat of the field hospital, said the three men had been helping patients in Salaheddin on June 17. They left for home around midnight and were stopped at a checkpoint along the way. Medical instruments were found in the car.

When Mr. Aslan's aunt called her nephew's mobile phone a couple hours later, it was answered by man who said, "Don't ask about them, we will teach them."

The three were in the hands of Air Force Intelligence, and not found for a week. They were only recognizable by pieces of clothing, like a belt, or body shape. Amnesty reported that their identity cards had been left beside the corpses.

"I was surprised by the killing of him, I cried," says Abu Bakr, a dental student and volunteer who considered Aslan his best friend. He spoke as a vehicle arrived, bringing more casualties from government shelling.

"Many times, when I think of Aslan, I cry. We will kill Assad for killing him," he says, his eyes tearing up. "They were good men, only helping people, not for money but only for God. He was going to families to help them, feed them. And they did it in the shadows. They didn't want the spotlight."

A temporary, but crucial, show of support

These volunteers may toil behind the scenes, but in Syria's bloody civil war, few things are more important than their work keeping wounded fighters and civilians alive.

When government forces launched their assault to reclaim Salaheddin on July 28, the intensity of the bombardment brought scores of bleeding rebels and civilians alike into this makeshift hospital.

Medical workers donated their own blood to the cause; the brutal message from the regime sent by the killing of their three colleagues was set aside as life-saving work commenced.

"This field hospital does nothing for bullet wounds, just stops bleeding and sews them up," says Abu Rakan, a paramedic at the field hospital.

"But it gives the FSA the idea that there is something behind them, support," says Abu Rakan. "I think the most important thing you give to them is this emotional support. But it's only a temporary solution, not a permanent solution."

Scott Peterson left the Salaheddin district of Aleppo late on the afternoon of July 29 after three days in the enclave, when this story was reported. Follow him on Twitter.

Previous

1 | 2