The discovery of the bodies came as the Syria Civil Defence, whose rescue workers are widely known as the White Helmets, announced that it had concluded a search operation for possible detainees in secret cells or basements at Saydnaya prison without finding anyone.
Five specialised teams assisted by two K9 dog units and individuals familiar with the layout of the prison checked all buildings, basements, courtyards, ventilation shafts, sewage systems, surveillance camera cables and surrounding areas on Monday, as crowds gathered there in the hope of finding their missing relatives.
“The search did not uncover any unopened or hidden areas within the facility,” the Syria Civil Defence said.
“We share the profound disappointment of the families of the thousands who remain missing and whose fates remain unknown,” it added.
The ADMSP meanwhile shared what it said was an official document, dated 28 October, saying that 4,300 detainees were being held at Saydnaya.
They comprised 2,817 judicial detainees held in the prison’s “White Building” and 1,483 detainees held on charges related to terrorism and military tribunals in the “Red Building”.
“This approximate number represents the detainees who were released at the time of the prison’s liberation,” the ADMSP said. The BBC could not immediately verify the information.
Rebel fighters entered Saydnaya prison and Harasta hospital as they advanced into Damascus over the weekend, prompting President Bashar al-Assad to step down and flee the country.
