The United States officially recognized the death of Majd Kamalmaz, an American psychologist who went missing in Syria in 2017. Kamalmaz, a Syrian-American, was providing mental health services to war refugees in Syria when he disappeared after being stopped at a government checkpoint. Despite efforts by his family and the U.S. government to secure his release, the Syrian regime never acknowledged holding him.
His family is now seeking justice through a civil lawsuit against the Syrian government, alleging murder, torture, and false imprisonment. Concerns mount over the treatment of detainees in Syrian prisons, with reports of thousands facing inhumane conditions and abuse.
In a separate incident, sixteen Syrian soldiers were killed by ISIS militants in a desert minefield, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region. Meanwhile, Mariam Raad, an ISIS wife who entered Syria to be with her husband, received a conditional discharge in court.
Raad, who denied knowledge of her husband’s terrorist activities, must now adhere to conditions including psychological support. The complex and tragic situations in Syria continue to unfold, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of conflict.