1981 Hama massacre

The Hama massacre refers to a series of violent events that occurred in February 1982 in the city of Hama, Syria, during the government's crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood and its supporters. Aiming to suppress an armed uprising, President Hafez al-Assad's regime deployed military forces, including tanks and artillery, to besiege the city, resulting in extensive destruction and loss of life. Estimates of casualties vary widely, with reports indicating that thousands of civilians were killed. The brutal repression marked a pivotal moment in Syrian history, solidifying the Assad regime's grip on power while instilling fear in the population. The massacre remains a contentious and significant event in discussions surrounding human rights violations in Syria.