Mass grave discovered in former security building in Idlib countryside
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A mass grave was discovered on Tuesday inside a former State Security building in the city of Maaret al-Numan, in southern Idlib countryside, according to Syrian state media.
State-run outlets reported that the discovery was made during renovation works taking place inside the building, which previously served as a State Security headquarters before the city fell outside government control in 2019. Workers reportedly came across human remains buried within the structure, prompting an immediate halt to the renovation process.
According to the reports, specialized teams were dispatched to the site shortly after the discovery. Security forces sealed off the area and prevented access to the location, pending further procedures. No official details were provided regarding the number of bodies found or their identities.
The discovery adds to a growing number of mass graves uncovered in various parts of Syria over recent years, particularly in former detention centers and security facilities. Human rights organizations have previously documented the widespread use of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during the conflict, especially in areas that were under government control.
Investigations are expected to continue once security procedures are finalized and relevant teams complete their initial assessments.