Residents of Has town in southern Idlib countryside commemorated today, Monday, the 10th anniversary of the "Pens" massacre, carried out by the air force of the fallen regime in 2016, which claimed the lives of dozens of children. The event was organized by the town council at the school building itself, attended by popular, official, and educational figures.
The event recalled the massacre, where school desks and student notebooks turned into scenes of blood and loss, renewing demands for accountability for those responsible and justice for the victims. Survivors and relatives of the victims emphasized that its memory left a deep impact on the town's residents and remains present in their consciousness.
Details of the massacre and accountability for those responsible
Writer and researcher Dr. Abdul Moneim Zain al-Din told SANA that the massacre resulted in the martyrdom of dozens and injured more than 130 people, many of whom suffered limb amputations. He explained that commemorating the anniversary aims to safeguard national memory, document the events of the massacre, and ensure its presence in the consciousness of generations, while also stressing the necessity of holding perpetrators accountable, along with all crimes committed against Syrians.
Zain al-Din stressed holding fast to the victims' right to justice, stating: "We cannot forget, and we cannot forgive until we see just retribution for them."
Resumption of education despite destruction
For his part, Jamal al-Darwish, head of the Supervision and Guidance Department at the Kafr Nabou Complex, stated in a similar interview that commemorating the anniversary evokes the will of Has residents to resume the educational process despite the destruction. He noted that educational staff returned to teaching days after the massacre in schools, mosques, and basements, allowing educational institutions to fulfill their mission and graduate doctors, engineers, and teachers despite the wounds.
For his part, Khaled Zidan, a witness to the massacre, recounted that the town's residents immediately formed a cell comprising media, health, statistical, and educational committees to document the events and monitor the conditions of victims and the injured. He recalled the efforts made day and night to confront its repercussions.
Zidan pointed out the resilience of a teacher who returned to teaching just four days after the massacre despite losing her daughter. He also highlighted the efforts of Dr. Khaled al-Daif, who continued providing psychological support to those affected despite losing a loved one.
It is recalled that the air force of the fallen regime targeted the martyr Kamal Qalaaji school complex in Has town, southern Idlib countryside, on October 26, 2016. This attack resulted in the martyrdom of 38 civilians, including 22 children and 6 teachers, and injured more than 130 others. It stands as one of the most devastating massacres against civilians, documented by international human rights organizations as a war crime.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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