Press Release: Escalation of Violence in Syria: Attacks on Alawite Minorities and Kurdish Regions

December 27, 2024

Alarming violence has been reported in Syria in recent days, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and the fragility of the region.

According to local sources and videos circulated on social media, military operations targeting Alawite minorities have been launched in the coastal cities of Tartous, Banias, Jableh, and Latakia under the pretext of a campaign against “militias” loyal to Bashar al-Assad’s government. These actions have endangered civilians in these areas, raising concerns about potential large-scale displacement and heightened sectarian tensions.

Meanwhile, in northern Syria, pro-Turkish militias have intensified their offensives against areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). These attacks, targeting already fragile regions, further complicate efforts to stabilize the area and increase the suffering of civilian populations.

The Centre Zagros pour les Droits de l’Homme strongly condemns these targeted attacks on vulnerable communities and calls for:

  • The immediate cessation of hostilities in all affected regions.
  • Enhanced protection for Alawite minorities, Kurdish populations, and all other impacted communities.

It is imperative that all parties involved in the conflict prioritize dialogue and a negotiated political solution to bring an end to this destructive cycle of violence.

Centre Zagros pour les Droits de l’Homme (Zagros Human Rights Center)