By Sama Marwan,
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has unveiled harrowing details about the “Deir Shmail” camp in western rural Hama, a notorious site of brutal repression during the Syrian conflict. Under the command of Colonel Fadlallah Mikhael, this camp became a symbol of systematic atrocities committed by the regime against civilians and detainees, leaving a dark mark on Syria’s modern history.
The Camp’s Role in Suppressing Protests
When protests erupted in 2011, the Syrian regime deployed armed groups to regain control over areas that had slipped from its grasp and to suppress popular movements. Within this framework, Deir Shmail camp emerged as a key center for training and equipping these armed forces.
Colonel Fadlallah Mikhael, originating from the town of Al-Rabi’ah in Hama’s countryside, led the camp and oversaw the training of nearly 8,000 armed personnel. Using heavy and medium weaponry, he bolstered their capacity to operate in a broad area spanning from Hama’s countryside to southern Idlib and northern Homs.
Systematic Crimes at Deir Shmail Camp
Deir Shmail camp was not just a military training hub; it became a site of horrifying human rights abuses. Spanning 180 dunams near Masyaf and Salhab, the camp housed more than 25 torture centers. Testimonies from local residents revealed the discovery of dozens of mutilated bodies near the camp, highlighting the scale of atrocities committed there.
Local sources confirmed that at least 1,500 detainees were executed inside the camp over four years. Many of the victims’ bodies were burned in an internal furnace under the supervision of Colonel Mikhael and officers from Air Force Intelligence.
Broader Crimes Beyond the Camp
The horrors of Deir Shmail extended beyond its walls. Mass executions were also carried out at Hama Military Airport between 2012 and 2016. Reports indicate that at least 1,200 detainees were killed in these operations, with their bodies buried in secret locations or incinerated to erase evidence.
Involvement of Other Figures in Atrocities
Colonel Mikhael was not the only figure implicated in these crimes. Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Mustafa Khalil, from the village of Al-Suwaida near Masyaf, played a prominent role in these violations. Khalil led combat groups such as “Al-Taramih” and “Salah Al-Asi,” which perpetrated heinous crimes, including kidnapping, looting, and murder. He was also involved in stealing agricultural crops and plundering archaeological sites, including a strategically significant mosaic panel from Tayyibat al-Imam.
A Dark Legacy
Camps like Deir Shmail represent a grim chapter in Syria’s recent history, where crimes against humanity were perpetrated against civilians and detainees. These atrocities continue to leave deep scars on the collective memory of the Syrian people, serving as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of unchecked power and systematic repression.
