The First Genetic Identification of a Missing Person in Syria
Washington, DC - October 20, 2026
“For the first time since the start of the Syrian conflict, the remains of missing persons have been identified using forensic and DNA analysis,” said the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC). “SJAC recently informed a family about the identification of their missing loved ones, two adults and five children who were likely killed by US airstrikes in 2017. This identification is part of SJAC’s ongoing efforts to identify missing persons and bring closure to thousands of families still waiting to learn the fate of their loved ones.”
In the early hours of August 20th, 2017, US airstrikes in Raqqa likely caused the collapse of a four-story residential building, killing at least 10 civilians. “In 2024, we were notified by a mine clearance organization that encountered skeletal remains in the rubble of the building,” said the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre. “Our forensic excavation team exhumed the site and recovered what we assessed to be human remains and identifying evidence including clothing and personal effects. We then opened an investigation to determine who was inside the building when it collapsed.”
“As part of our ongoing partnership with the Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation, two forensic experts traveled from Guatemala to help analyze the skeletal remains, confirm our findings, and collect DNA samples to test in their lab,” said Mohammad Al Abdallah, Executive Director of the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre. “At the same time, our team worked with the family of the victims to collect DNA reference samples which could be compared with the remains.”
“After receiving the results, we informed Syria’s National Commission for Missing Persons about the identification and will collaborate with them to ensure that the family can receive the remains for burial.” Al Abdallah added, “this was an important test case which proves identifications are currently possible in Syria. We hope that the National Commission for Missing Persons, Syrian civil society, and international partners, can collaborate to ensure that all Syrian families get the answers they deserve.”
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The Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC) is a human rights organization committed to achieving meaningful justice for the Syrian people, enabling Syrians to reckon with and move past a legacy of authoritarian violence and build an open, peaceful, and democratic society.
To arrange an interview or request imagery, contact:
Michael Ader
Senior Communications Officer
+1-801-970-3065
Mohammad Al-Abdallah
Executive Director
Cell Phone: +1-202-704-3215