The United Nations Committee concerned in the investigation of possible violations of human rights in Syria reported a significant increase in the rate of crimes" committed by insurgents.

The United Nations Committee concerned in the investigation of possible violations of human rights in Syria reported a significant increase in the rate of crimes" committed by insurgents with the participation of foreign mercenaries in northern Syria.

During the presentation of the report to the members of the United Nations Council for Human in Geneva Monday, the Committee chairman Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro said that "northern Syria is witnessing a significant increase in the rate of crime and violence at the hands of armed extremist anti-government groups in the wake of the flow of foreign mercenaries."

"Groups of mercenaries crossed the border, and a battalion of immigrants are the most active groups amongst them," he stated, adding that he has information that note "a large number of killings" at the hands of militants, including the execution of uniformed soldiers and massacres against the peaceful population in the upper villages located on the outskirts of Latakia.

Pinheiro also pointed out that his committee is investigating 14 cases of alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria, noting that the UN committee did not identify those responsible and the type of material used."

"The Syrian government had invited a member of the Committee Carla Del Ponte to visit Damascus for her personal capacity, however, the Committee demands an official visit," he said.