Outrage over land rights and mass graves prompted by plans for a private airport in Syria

The Syrian government's plans to transform a former military airfield in Damascus, Syria into a hub of private jets are alarming rights groups and local residents. They say the redevelopment may disturb mass graves or override land claims.

According to an article published by Syria's official news agency SANA, the civil aviation authority of Syria announced last week that it was preparing to reclassify Mezzeh Military Airport for limited civilian use, focusing on private and executive aviation. This would complement Damascus International Airport. The report stated that the removal of rubble and upgrading of infrastructure had already started.

The project will test how Syria's newly elected authorities can balance a desire to attract investments and redevelop the state's assets with two unresolved legacy of Assad family rule: the fates of tens thousands of Syrians who have gone missing and the property rights that are clouded after decades of expropriation.

NEW DOCUMENTS SHOW AIRPORT'S ROLE AS EXECUTION SITE

Mezzeh was home to the Air Force Intelligence Directorate under Bashar al Assad and hi...