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Graphic video footage has emerged showing the brutal execution of Syrian government soldiers by rebel fighters earlier this year.

This shocking video, obtained by the New York Times, was shot in the northwestern city of Idlib in April.

It shows rebel gunmen standing over seven Syrian government soldiers, who are kneeling topless on the ground with their arms tied behind their backs.

Commanding the men is rebel leader Abdul Samad Issa, who can be heard saying: "In the long term liars are skillful. For 50 years there has been struggle with hypocrisy.

"For 50 years there has been destruction in Syria. For 50 years, they have been companions to corruption.

"Humiliation is our death, and to live is to say no.

"Since you have neither religion nor morals, we swear to the Lord of the Throne that this is our oath. We will take revenge. An oath is a chain to us.

"You will pay twice as much as our blood. A day for a day, and bloodshed is due."

The screen goes to black, and multiple shots ring out, before we see the bodies of the half-naked men being buried in an unmarked grave.

The video emerged as a Senate panel in America approved the use of military force in Syria, in response to a suspected chemical attack by Assad's forces.

The proposal will now go to a full Senate vote next week.