Body of missing girl found in Daraa countryside days after disappearance
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian security forces on Friday found the body of 12-year-old Noor al-Dous several days after she was reported missing in the countryside of Daraa, in a case that has sparked widespread public outrage in southern Syria.
The body of Noor Muhannad al-Dous, from the town of Namer in northern Daraa countryside, was found buried in a pit in an agricultural area near the town about three days after she was reported missing.
Local social media pages in Daraa claimed that the girl had been sexually assaulted by her uncle before her father allegedly killed her in an attempt to conceal the crime and secretly buried her outside the town. North Press could not independently verify these claims.
The case also prompted criticism after remarks attributed to a judge suggested that the father and uncle “were trying to discipline her,” comments widely viewed as provocative by local residents.
Activists in Daraa said the forensic examiner confirmed signs of sexual assault after the body was recovered, adding that the girl was reburied on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Internal Security Command in Daraa announced it had uncovered the circumstances surrounding the killing following an investigation launched immediately after the girl’s disappearance was reported.
In a statement published on the governorate’s official social media pages, the command said the Internal Security Directorate in the city of Nawa carried out extensive search and investigative operations that led to the discovery of the girl’s body.
The statement added that the forensic examiner concluded the cause of death was internal bleeding.
Authorities said investigators identified the main suspect through collected evidence and arrested a man identified only by his initials (M.D.). He was referred to the competent judicial authorities to complete the investigation and legal proceedings.