Story perspectives

Assad's Secret Operation: Thousands of Bodies Moved to Conceal Killings

10/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A Reuters investigation reports the Assad government ran a secret operation from 2019 to 2021 to move thousands of bodies from a Qutayfah grave to the Dhumair desert.
The operation, named "Operation Move Earth," moved bodies to the Dhumair desert to conceal killings.
Witnesses described grim details, including a stench from trucks transporting dirt and remains.
After Assad's fall in late 2024, a new commission was established to address the missing, facing challenges.

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Story summary

A Reuters investigation reports the Assad government ran a secret operation from 2019 to 2021 to move thousands of bodies from a Qutayfah grave to the Dhumair desert.
The operation, named "Operation Move Earth," moved bodies to the Dhumair desert to conceal killings.
Witnesses described grim details, including a stench from trucks transporting dirt and remains.
After Assad's fall in late 2024, a new commission was established to address the missing, facing challenges.