Syria: 230 bodies found in mass grave

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claimed that the bodies found in Syria's eastern Deir el-Zour province were those of civilians who had been executed.

"The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has learned from trusted sources that more than 230 bodies have been found in a mass grave in the desert near Al-Kashkiyeh in the east of Deir el-Zour," said the Britain-based group.

The grave was discovered by members of the Shueitat tribe who had returned to their villages months after they had fled the region when they lost their battle against the IS militants in August. IS militants shot and beheaded hundreds of tribesmen in the fighting.

The survivors were recently allowed to return after agreeing to respect an IS-imposed curfew, as well as a prohibition on gatherings and weapons.

The Observatory puts the number of tribespeople killed by jihadists in the Deir el-Zour province near Iraq to more than 900, with hundreds more still missing.

The organization, which was founded in 2006, is opposed to the Syrian government. It relies on a large network of activists, doctors, and military sources on all sides of the Syrian conflict for information. Their reports can not be independently confirmed.

The latest report comes ahead of a #link:18135540:gathering on Thursday in the German capital Berlin, where representatives from the United Nations and NGOs will debate emergency assistance and long-term help for refugees fleeing the ongoing fighting in Syria.

rg/bk (AFP, AP)