A renewed search begins for Rania Alayed, murdered by her husband ten years ago in a tragic honour killing.
Rania Alayed was 25 when Ahmed Al-Khatib killed her in June 2013. The murder occurred at his brother’s flat in Salford, Greater Manchester. Police are searching near Thirsk in North Yorkshire, off the A19.
Al-Khatib lied to Rania’s family, pretending she was still alive. Her body was never found. It is believed to be buried near the A19. The exact details of Rania’s death are still unknown.
Greater Manchester Police have launched a “detailed search,” possibly based on new information. The search involves a section of the A19 layby. Motorists have reported seeing search teams there.
Police stated they are currently searching to find Rania Alayed’s body. Their hope is to bring closure to her family. They also aim to minimize any disruption during the search. The last such search occurred in November.
Rania Alayed was killed by Ahmed Al-Khatib reportedly because she was “too Westernised.” She wanted to leave her marriage and sought help from lawyers. Rania had enrolled at college, made friends, and met a man online.
Al-Khatib received a 20-year prison sentence but never revealed where he buried her. Police are digging near the A19 in Thirsk, acting on “new information.” A digger and a cadaver dog are being used in the search.
Al-Khatib was from Manchester. His brothers helped him dispose of Rania’s body. They claimed they dumped her on the A19, but only provided a 19-mile area.
Rania was lured to Muhaned’s apartment, where she was killed. They put her body in a suitcase, and Al-Khatib wore her clothes to make it appear as if she was alive. They then drove to Thirsk and buried her body.
Rania’s friends became worried when Al-Khatib claimed she had fled abroad. He later said he pushed her and that she was possessed by a spirit. Muhaned received three years for his involvement, while Hussain got four years for the same.
Police said Rania was trying to escape abuse. Her husband ended her life in a cruel way, in what police called a sickening honour killing. He was jealous of her new life and continued searching for her body.
Police have searched near Thirsk numerous times, suspecting a camper van was used. A van matching the description was seen in 2013. Officers used diggers and dogs during searches last October.
Ahmed Al-Khatib received a 20-year prison sentence in 2014. His brother Muhaned was not found guilty of murder.
An honour killing involves controlling behaviour within a family. Victims are believed to have shamed their family through their actions.
Reasons for honour killings include refusing marriage or having a forbidden relationship. Victims may also dress in a way deemed unacceptable. Both men and women can be victims of these crimes. High-status leaders have condemned honour killings.
There are approximately 12 honour killings in the UK each year. Worldwide, there are about 5,000 such killings annually. These crimes frequently target women and can include beatings and abductions.