UN Rights Chief Urges Probe Into Syrian Executions

UN rights chief Navi Pillay is calling for a probe into the reported mass execution by rebels of Syrian soldiers taken captive in fighting in the north of the country this week.

Pillay said in Geneva on August 2 that the events during fighting for control of the town of Khan al-Assal in the northern province of Aleppo were "deeply shocking."

She said that "based on the analysis by my team to date, we believe armed opposition groups in one incident...executed at least 30 individuals, the majority of whom appeared to be soldiers."

Pillay called for those responsible to be brought to justice.

She added that the material gathered by her office suggested the overall toll in the Khan al-Assal battle was much higher than the 30 deaths documented.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters