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Silence and Fear: The Plight of Alawites in Syria Amidst Revenge Killings

Massacres on Syrian Coast Raise Concerns Over New Army’s Control

Deadly revenge attacks targeting the Alawite community in syria have cast a shadow over the government’s ability to rein in newly integrated militias.This surge in violence raises fears of further instability and hinders efforts to lift international sanctions. The Alawite town of Salhab experienced a horrific massacre, leaving 25 residents dead, part of a larger wave of revenge attacks targeting the sect of ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.


Alawite Town of Salhab Devastated by Violence

The Alawite town of Salhab,located in northwest Syria,experienced a horrific massacre last week,leaving 25 residents dead. The violence is part of a larger wave of revenge attacks targeting the Alawite community, the same sect from which ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad hailed. These attacks underscore the deep-seated sectarian tensions that continue to plague the region, even after the change in government.

One resident, Hayan, recounted his terrifying experience when armed men stormed his house. He believed he was going to be killed, like his neighbors. Militants dragged him outside, threw him to the ground and started shooting right above his head, the report stated, adding that Hayan could no longer hear the insults they hurled at him for being Alawite. Hayan survived, but the rampage left a deep scar on the community.

among the victims in Salhab was a 90-year-old religious figure who was forced to watch the murder of his son before being killed himself. This act of brutality underscores the ruthlessness of the attacks and the targeting of vulnerable members of the Alawite community. such acts of violence are not isolated incidents but reflect a pattern of systematic targeting of specific groups.

revenge Attacks Follow Clashes with assad Loyalists

The massacres followed coordinated attacks launched by fighters loyal to Bashar al-Assad on Syrian government forces across the country’s coast on March 6. The government called for help, and thousands of armed individuals and several rebel groups responded. However,these militias carried out revenge attacks against members of the Alawite community,even though most had no connection to the former regime. This highlights the complex and often indiscriminate nature of the violence.

The four days of fighting resulted in over 1,000 deaths,including 745 civilians. Assad loyalists were also responsible for the deaths of 211 members of the Syrian security forces and 228 civilians, highlighting the widespread nature of the violence. The sheer scale of casualties underscores the urgent need for de-escalation and a comprehensive peace process.

Factions Accused of Mass Killings

Experts have identified abu Amsha’s Sultan Suleiman Shah brigade and the Hamzat division as being responsible for the majority of the killings of civilians and unarmed prisoners during the recent surge of violence. These rebel groups were previously affiliated with the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army. Both factions and their leaders are under U.S. sanctions for alleged serious human rights abuses, including rape and torture.The involvement of these sanctioned groups raises serious questions about the vetting process for integrating them into the new Syrian army.

Abu Amsha addressed the accusations in a post on X, stating that his division adhered to orders from Syria’s ministry of defence and dismissing reports of their involvement in massacres as propaganda. He further claimed that every member of his faction is subject to the law and accountability. however, these claims are contradicted by numerous reports of human rights abuses committed by his forces.

However, Fadel Abdulghany, the founder of the Syrian Network for human Rights (SNHR), paints a different picture. The vast majority of the violations were committed by Abu Amsha’s [faction] and Hamzat.Lots of residents were asking government security forces to defend them from those factions, Abdulghany stated. This testimony underscores the lack of trust in these factions and the urgent need for accountability.

Integration Challenges within the New Syrian Army

The two factions, along with dozens of other armed groups, have recently been integrated into Syria’s new army, which is led by the now-disbanded Islamist rebel group Hayat tahrir al-Sham (HTS). HTS, which led the rebel coalition that ousted the Assad regime on December 8, dissolved all armed factions and announced their integration into the new army. This integration process,though,has been fraught with challenges.

However, the government has struggled to effectively integrate these military factions and exercises limited control over them. Alexander McKeever, a researcher and author of a newsletter on northern Syria, noted that Currently it appears that the integration of SNA factions into the ministry of defence has only occurred at a symbolic level. The institutional ties are weak so HTS’s tools in terms of cracking down are limited. This lack of effective integration has created a security vacuum that allows these factions to operate with impunity.

Promises of Accountability and International Concerns

Syria’s president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has vowed to hold accountable those responsible for the killings and abuse of civilians, regardless of their affiliation. We will hold accountable, with full decisiveness, anyone who is involved in the bloodshed of civilians, mistreats civilians, exceeds the state’s authority or exploits power for personal gain. No one will be above the law, Sharaa said.However, skepticism remains about the government’s ability to deliver on this promise.

However, doubts remain about Sharaa’s ability to hold these factions accountable, particularly given their role in bringing him to power. Failure to do so risks alienating Syrian citizens and undermining the legitimacy of the new government. The credibility of the new government hinges on its ability to deliver justice and protect its citizens.

The massacres have also raised concerns within the international community, possibly hindering efforts to lift sanctions. syria has been under U.S. sanctions since 1979, which intensified after the Assad regime’s crackdown on protesters in 2011. The new authorities have prioritized lifting sanctions to aid the ailing economy and build a functional state. The recent violence, however, complicates this effort.

Kamal Alam, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic council, who advises evangelical members of the Trump team on Syria, stated that the killings of Alawite civilians deeply disturbed evangelical members of the Trump White House, who viewed the protection of Syria’s religious minorities as a key benchmark for the new government. They only have one agenda about Syria and that’s christians. They don’t care if the rest of the country goes to hell. And they were furious about what happened last week, Alam said.

Alam added that these members of the Trump administration are now seeking to broaden their focus to include the protection of all minorities in Syria, which could complicate efforts to lift U.S. sanctions. The international community is closely watching the situation and will likely demand concrete steps towards accountability and protection of minorities before considering any sanctions relief.

Mass Exodus and Lingering Fear

the violence has triggered a mass exodus, with almost 11,000 Syrians fleeing into Lebanon, according to the UN. The Alawite community is living in fear, with many afraid to leave their homes. this displacement crisis adds to the already dire humanitarian situation in the region.

Hayan, the Salhab resident who survived the attack on his home, described the atmosphere of terror: The streets are empty. No one dares go outside. All of us here cannot sleep from the fear that we will be killed in our beds. This statement encapsulates the pervasive fear and insecurity that grips the affected communities.

The recent massacres on the Syrian coast highlight the challenges facing the new government in controlling its ranks and ensuring the safety of its citizens. the ability to hold perpetrators accountable and address the underlying tensions will be crucial for the future stability of Syria. The path forward requires a commitment to justice, reconciliation, and inclusive governance.

Syria’s Shadow: Unraveling the Post-Conflict Violence and the Struggle for Peace

Over 1,000 deaths in just four days of fighting. The horrifying massacres in Syria’s coastal region expose a deeper, more insidious threat than the fall of the Assad regime. How can we understand the ongoing violence and what does it mean for Syria’s future? We spoke with Dr. Layla Khalil, a leading expert in Middle Eastern conflict resolution and political science, to explore these critical questions.

World-Today-news.com: Dr. Khalil, the recent massacres targeting the Alawite community are deeply alarming. Can you paint a picture of the complex dynamics at play here, moving beyond simple narratives of revenge?

Dr. Khalil: Certainly.These attacks aren’t merely acts of retribution, though revenge is undeniably a significant factor. Understanding the current violence requires acknowledging the deeply rooted sectarian tensions that predate the conflict, exacerbated by years of civil war and the subsequent power vacuum. The integration of various militias,some with questionable human rights records,into the new Syrian army is a crucial element. These groups, often operating with considerable autonomy, exploit the weak governance structures, leading to a situation where accountability is severely lacking. The massacres expose the fragility of the post-conflict peace process and the government’s struggle to assert control over powerful, frequently enough undisciplined factions.

World-Today-News.com: The article mentions specific factions like Abu Amsha’s Sultan Suleiman Shah brigade and the Hamzat division, both under U.S. sanctions for past atrocities. How significant is their involvement in escalating the violence?

Dr. Khalil: The involvement of these sanctioned groups, and their apparent impunity, is extremely significant. It points to a critical failure in the vetting and integration process of the new Syrian army. These groups’ continued operation highlights the challenge of disarming and demobilizing former combatants effectively. Their actions undermine any attempts at national reconciliation. The fact that they openly operate, allegedly committing massacres and human rights abuses – and then deflecting blame – is a clear sign of the systemic problems in the transitional government’s abilities to enforce the rule of law and the potential for further violence. claiming that actions are simply “propaganda” without autonomous investigation and verification is unacceptable. Furthermore, the lack of international oversight exacerbates the situation allowing these groups to act with impunity.

World-Today-News.com: Beyond these specific groups, what are the broader challenges to long-term stability in Syria?

Dr. Khalil: Several interconnected challenges threaten Syria’s long-term stability. We have the ongoing sectarian tensions fueled by years of conflict and deep-seated grievances. This is linked to the weak governance structures. The new government’s capacity to provide basic services and security to all citizens is still questionable. This weakness in governance creates a vacuum which allows for the free activity of militias and armed groups. Economic instability further complicates the situation, leading to widespread poverty and resentment. Consequently, the lack of justice and accountability further fuels the cycle of violence.

World-Today-News.com: what steps are necessary to address the immediate crisis and build a lasting peace in syria?

Dr. Khalil: Addressing the immediate crisis necessitates several key steps. Firstly, a robust investigation into the massacres is crucial. Perpetrators of these crimes must be held accountable, irrespective of their affiliations. This requires significant international support and independent monitoring. Secondly, the government – with international assistance- needs to demonstrate a firm commitment to disarming, demobilizing, and reintegrating (DDR) all armed groups. Extensive DDR programs require strong oversight and resources to ensure successful outcomes and prevent the recurrence of such violence. Furthermore,economic recovery is crucial – support from the international community,focused on rebuilding infrastructure and creating jobs,is absolutely critical.This must be complemented by a commitment to fostering inclusive governance, ensuring depiction and participation of all communities. and crucially, long-term peace requires focused international efforts to support sustainable peacebuilding and reconciliation programs that aim to repair the social fabric of Syria.

World-Today-News.com: The article mentions the concerns of the international community, particularly regarding sanctions relief. How do these recent events impact that?

Dr. Khalil: These events considerably complicate the process of sanctions relief. The international community will undoubtedly demand concrete evidence of the Syrian government’s commitment to accountability and long-term stability before considering lifting sanctions. Any efforts towards reconciliation and the lifting of sanctions would require demonstrable progress in human rights protection, holding perpetrators responsible and creating a secure and inclusive habitat for all communities. International pressure will be vital in ensuring these demands are met.

World-Today-News.com: What is your overall outlook for Syria in the coming years?

dr. Khalil: The outlook is undeniably uncertain. The immediate future will be characterized by continued instability, dependent largely on the government’s response to these atrocities. Without serious reform, meaningful DDR, robust governance, and accountability, Syria risks succumbing to further cycles of violence. However, concerted international efforts, coupled with a genuine commitment from the Syrian government toward justice, reconciliation and inclusive governance, can perhaps lead toward a path of stability. Success depends on engaging all stakeholders in a meaningful dialog focused on promoting lasting peace and sustainable development.

the situation in Syria remains precarious. The recent massacres underscore the deep-seated challenges to lasting peace but also highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated international response. We urge readers to engage in the comments section below,sharing your insights and concerns about this critical humanitarian and geopolitical crisis. Let’s continue this conversation and demand accountability for those responsible for this horrific tragedy.

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