By Mu’az al- Hamad
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Eleven years ago, in August 2014, three villages in eastern Deir ez-Zor became the scene of one of ISIS’s most brutal massacres. These villages were home to the al-Shuaytat tribe, who resisted the extremist group’s control. Their only “crime” was defending their land and dignity, a stance that cost over 1,200 lives, including children, women, and elderly residents.
A lingering wound in collective memory
The massacre left an indelible scar on the community and on humanity itself. It was not merely a military act but a revenge-driven atrocity under the cover of false religious edicts. Images of the victims remain etched in the region’s memory, their final moments marked by despair and dignity.
Even today, families continue to search for the remains of their loved ones. The grief of loss remains as sharp as it was on the day of the massacre. Destroyed homes, burned lands, and unrecovered remains serve as ongoing testimony to the brutality of ISIS and the resilience of the Al-Shuaytat people.
“Never forget… never forgive” is the slogan raised by al-Shuaytat descendants, sending a message to those who would try to erase the truth. The memory of the massacre remains alive and resistant to time.
Resolute in preserving memory
In commemorating the 11th anniversary, Abdullarim al-Omayri from Abu Hammam told North Press: “I lost a loved one in the 2014 al-Shuaytat massacre. We are here today to honor the 11th anniversary of this tragedy that affected every member of the al-Shuaytat tribe.”
He added that a children’s theater group performed to honor the martyrs, stating: “Through this commemoration, reality is embodied and history is preserved.”
Sahar Ubaid al-Hamoud, a member of the Women’s Committee, told North Press: “Every year we remember this painful chapter of our lives. The 11th anniversary remains present in our collective memory, keeping alive the remembrance of our children, families, and elders.” She stressed that the anniversary will continue to be observed as a testament that “we have not and will not forget our victims.”
SDF liberates Deir ez-Zor
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by the Global Coalition, liberated the last ISIS strongholds in the Deir ez-Zor area, specifically the town of al-Baghuz, on March 23, 2019.
This liberation effectively ended ISIS control over Syrian territory after weeks of fighting against the group’s remaining fighters in the region.
On March 23, the SDF raised its flag in al-Baghuz, declaring final victory over ISIS. U.S. officials described the achievement as a “decisive phase” in dismantling the group’s so-called caliphate.
Thousands of ISIS fighters were captured or killed, ending the group’s territorial presence in eastern Syria.
The SDF and Coalition continue efforts to prevent ISIS resurgence and maintain security in Deir ez-Zor.