Syria_032
A secret location in northern Syria. 27th March 2012\nCode name Jaffer, an Allawite who has joined the FSA to fight against the regime. 35 years of age.\nHe is a defector from the 4th Armoured Division of Syrian Army. Regarded as one of Bashar Assad's elite units and commanded by Bashar's brother Maher. One of many defecors interviewed by The Times inside Syria, Jaffer described a system of savage discipline involving drum head court martials and summary executions for any Syrian soldier whose loyalty is suspect. Despite this discipline the level of defectors from the Syrian Army remains high. On common with many defectors Jaffers family were targeted by the regim as a result of his defection, his brother and father were arrested and tortured in prison. Their current fate is unknown.