How The "Butcher Of Deir Ezzor" Died

Major General Issam Zahreddine was one of the most prominent military figures in the Syrian Arab Army (SAA). 

But now he is dead. A landmine explosion killed him a few days ago.

Zahreddine's role in the Syrian war was crucial. While the supporters of Bashar al Assad's regime celebrate him as an "anti-jihadist hero", especially referring to his fight against ISIS, he and his soldiers also killed and tortured countless innocent Syrians. 

When the Syrian revolution started, Zahreddine had a leading role in attacking peaceful protesters. 

In 2016, leaked photos from Deir Ezzor showed the general standing next to the bodies of two badly mutilated, lynched individuals, who were likely tortured and killed by his forces.

While pro-Assad writers and propagandists cry after Zahreddine's death, the general was also involved in killing journalists.

As the article says:

According to The Telegraph, Zahreddine was also implicated in the 2012 killing of Marie Colvin, a journalist for The Sunday Times who reported on the SAA’s extensive crimes in Homs. Colvin’s family “alleges that Zahreddine, after learning of the Sunday Times journalist’s whereabouts, ordered a targeted artillery attack on the makeshift opposition media centre where she had been staying.”

Last but not least, a few weeks before his death, Zahreddine threatened all Syrian refugees abroad by "recommending" they should never return home.

Even if the government forgives you, we [the people] will never forgive nor forget. If you know what’s best for you, you won’t return," Zahredinne said.