The UN reported that 111 civilians from the Alawite community were killed in recent violence in Syria, with expectations of a higher death toll. This attack highlights the ongoing sectarian tensions and inadequate media coverage. A fact-finding committee promises to hold perpetrators accountable, while the Syrian government engages in political alliances. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized the perception of the regime, underscoring the necessity for vigilance from the international community.
In recent days, violence against the Alawite community in western Syria has resulted in the documented deaths of 111 civilians, as reported by the UN human rights office. This tragic figure includes 90 men, 18 women, and 3 children, with the expectation that the actual toll may be even higher due to ongoing sectarian violence perpetuated by the regime against those loyal to Bashar al-Assad.
The aftermath of the Assad regime’s toppling by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has led to a complex scenario in Syria, where a Syrian fact-finding committee has promised to pursue justice for those responsible for this violence, though the sincerity of such intentions remains questionable. Media coverage of these events has been criticized for lack of attention, highlighting a disturbing trend in the reporting of violence in Syria’s long history of sectarian conflicts.
A significant political maneuver has resulted in an agreement between the Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which controls much of northeastern Syria. This agreement aims to unify various political and social groups, although it faces skepticism, especially from Turkey, which views the SDF unfavorably due to its affiliations with Kurdish militants.
The gravity of the disturbances faced by the Alawite community is underlined by eyewitness accounts describing horrific acts of violence and ethnic cleansing. One affected civilian, E., lamented, “They are killing children and women. There is an ethnic cleansing going on here, they leave nothing behind.” The silence of the international community regarding this tragedy is alarming, as it demands substantial media attention and action.
Furthermore, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has characterized the ongoing discourse surrounding Syria’s government transition as artificial, asserting that the current regime operates more like a jihadist faction than a legitimate government. He emphasizes that Israel and the international community must exercise caution and avoid complacency, particularly in light of the Alawite killings, which have not received the coverage they warrant.
As the fact-finding committee continues its work, hopes remain that accountability will follow, as underscored by spokesperson Yasser Farhan’s statement ensuring that “no one is above the law.” However, continuous vigilance about the evolving situation in Syria is essential for regional stability and humanitarian accountability.
In conclusion, the appalling violence against the Alawite community in Syria calls for immediate and robust international media attention. The recent death toll highlights a serious humanitarian crisis that must be addressed, particularly considering the historical context of sectarian violence in the region. The international community is urged to maintain scrutiny of the Syrian government’s actions and to ensure that accountability is pursued effectively, acknowledging that the silence surrounding these events is problematic.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
