Free Syrian Army Rebels Attacked Shia Places of Worship

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Rebels (FSA) in Syria have burned and looted the religious sites of minorities, Human Rights Watch says, warning that the 22-month old conflict could become increasingly sectarian.

"The destruction of religious sites is furthering sectarian fears and compounding the tragedies of the country, with tens of thousands killed," Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director of the US-based rights group, said on Wednesday.

"Syria will lose its rich cultural and religious diversity if armed terrorist groups do not respect places of worship. Leaders on both sides should send a message that those who attack these sites will be held accountable."

In the village of Zarzour in Idlib province, researchers found evidence of deliberate damage to the local Husseiniya, a Shia place of worship, caused by opposition fighters in December.

Its windows were broken, prayer stones littered on the floor, walls charred from flames, and what appeared to be the remnants of a burned prayer rug lay on the floor.

Footage posted online showed rebels celebrating their victory in the town as the Husseiniya burns in the background.

Residents said the rebels of Free Syrian Army (FSA) had been using the Husseiniya as a barracks. Human Rights Watch condemned the government's use of the Husseiniya for military purposes, but said that did not justify intentional damage by the rebels.

The rights group said local rebel fighters had blamed Syria's government for the damage but residents said opposition fighters had started the fire when they took control of the village.

Residents of Zarzour, a predominantly Sunni village, said their Shia neighbours fled fearing retaliation for supporting the government.

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