Assad accused of transferring prisoners to potential military targets as 'human shields'

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly started relocating thousands of prisoners to potential military targets as human shields, amid fears of international community striking the conflict zone.

Assad's regime has begun moving prisoners and activists from across the nation to military locations that may be targeted by foreign forces, the Washington Times reports.

According to the report, Damascus residents have seen the inmates being transferred from prisons by bus to the sensitive areas.

Obama's administration has said Syria situation is a threat to national interests and posed a challenge to the world to stop chemical weapons proliferation.

The United States is considering a limited airstrike on Syria to stop the Assad regime for using chemical weapons on the civilians.

Meanwhile, Syrian National Coalition members have criticized the forced action on civilians, being used as human shields, against international humanitarian law and said those responsible must be held accountable for crimes against humanity.

Assad's regime has arrested thousands or protesters, rebel fighters and political dissidents since early 2011, when conflict in the country first began.