Middle East

The UN Will Investigate War Crimes In The Syrian Civil War

All sides of the conflict are accused of committing them.

The UN Will Investigate War Crimes In The Syrian Civil War
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Article by Ryan Biek
SMS
December 22, 2016

After an overwhelming vote in favor, the U.N. General Assembly is going to investigate possible war crimes in Syria.

The U.N. and a number of others have linked all sides in Syria's ongoing war to war crimes.

The Syrian government has been accused of torturing thousands of civilians, using chemical weapons and bombing civilian neighborhoods and hospitals.

SEE MORE: Kerry Slams Syrian Regime For 'Savage Brutality Against Civilians'

Rebel factions fighting against forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have been accused of taking hostages to extort money.

And ISIS has been accused of recruiting child soldiers, publicly executing civilians and using homemade chemical weapons.

One hundred and five countries voted to investigate possible war crimes, but 15 opposed the resolution.

That includes Syria. The country's ambassador to the U.N. called the investigation a "flagrant interference" in its internal affairs.