Probe links members of new Syrian government to Alawite massacres
Sunni fighters aligned with Syria's new government in Damascus carried out mass killings in Alawite-populated areas along the Mediterranean coast, a Reuters investigation revealed on Monday.
The report identified the March 7–9 attacks, which left nearly 1,500 dead and dozens unaccounted for, documenting retaliatory assaults—including killings, beatings, and looting—across more than 40 locations targeting the Alawite community, long associated with the al-Assad regime.
Findings indicated that at least ten armed factions were involved in the offensive, including foreign fighters now operating under the authority of the new government. Nearly half of these groups have been under international sanctions for years over documented human rights violations, including executions, abductions, and acts of sexual violence.
The revelations surfaced as the administration of US President Donald Trump gradually eases sanctions imposed during the al-Assad era. The shift has raised concerns in Washington, particularly given that Syria's new government is led by an Islamist faction formerly known as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. Previously operating as Jabhat al-Nusra, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, the group was dissolved following al-Assad's fall.
However, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, which was led by current transitional Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, has been under United Nations sanctions since 2014. Al-Sharaa, a Sunni Muslim like the majority of Syrians, assumed office in January after leading a rapid military campaign that toppled
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
US-Iraq collaboration deepens despite "anti-American" sentiment
Shafaq News – Baghdad/Washington Despite escalating armed groups' attacks and deep-rooted public opposition, Iraq and the United States are pushing ahead with renewed security and energy collaboration. According to a report by the Atlantic Council, even without the current conflict between Israel and Iran, the prospects for future US-Iraq relations have often appeared dim. Due in part to the reduced threat from ISIS, and also to public opposition to US military presence under Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), Washington and Baghdad agreed to reduce the role of US forces in combating ISIS and transition to a new security relationship. The report said that hostilities intensified in Iraq following US backing of Israeli operations in Gaza after October 7, 2023, prompting a wave of anti-American demonstrations and attacks on US-affiliated businesses. These developments, coupled with scaled-back military coordination, narrowed the space for broader cooperation. Nonetheless, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's April 2024 visit to the US signaled an effort to deepen strategic ties. In Houston, he signed agreements granting American energy companies preferential treatment over Chinese firms, and concluded deals with US defense contractors for equipment and training.
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq shuts down TV channel in Baghdad
Shafaq News - Baghdad Iraqi authorities have shut down the offices of Iraq al-Hadath TV in Baghdad and halted its broadcast, the Iraqi Observatory for Press Freedoms reported on Tuesday. Security forces, accompanied by intelligence officers and a representative from the Communications and Media Commission, raided the channel's headquarters and suspended operations, according to the Observatory. The agency did not specify the reason for the closure, though TV presenter Qusay Shafiq claimed the commission had filed a complaint alleging unpaid fees for 2024, despite the channel's first official broadcast airing in late January 2025.
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq issues death, life sentences in major drug cases
Shafaq News – Al-Karkh/Maysan Iraqi courts have handed down two sentences in separate drug trafficking cases, including a death penalty, the Supreme Judicial Council announced on Tuesday. According to a statement, the Al-Karkh Criminal Court sentenced a drug dealer to death after authorities seized 55 kilograms of marijuana in his possession. In a separate ruling, the Maysan Criminal Court sentenced another drug dealer to life in prison after he was found in possession of 914 grams of opium intended for sale.
