Syria's Fragile Peace

Following the end of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime, many Syrians had hoped to embark on a new journey towards peace and stability. However, recent killings in the country have once again triggered fear and worries among the people. These emotions are preventing normalcy from prevailing in the country. It was reported that armed groups loyal to the ousted President Assad had initially attacked and killed dozens of the security forces belonging to the interim government. The government is currently being led by Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who belongs to the Hay'at Tahrir Al- Sham, an Islamist militant group in the country. 

This attack triggered a retaliation from the security forces, who targeted pro-Assad loyalists. However, in the process, many innocent civilians were also killed. According to reports, more than 1000 Alawites have lost their lives in this violence. Onlookers state that entire families, including women and children, were killed by the military forces. In an Arab country like Syria, where the population is predominantly Sunni Muslim, the Alawites are a small community of Shia Muslims, making up less than 10 per cent of the population. Assad belongs to this community and during his reign, the community held significant power. 

Recently, the government had demanded that the pro-Assad loyalists surrender their arms. While many complied, some hid their weapons and refused to disarm. These groups later attacked the security forces in the coastal region of Latakia and Tartous, an operation described as pre-planned by media reports. The tragic incident has triggered strong reactions from countries and human rights organisations globally. The government has established a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident, and the president has pledged to hold all those involved accountable, including individuals close to the government.

 Many people from the Alawite sects have left their houses in search of safety. Over 1,400 families, consisting of 6,000 individuals, now reside in northeast Lebanon. It is said that many Sunni Muslims have rescued the individuals from this minority sect and are keeping them safe. News agencies have reported horrifying video footage where brutal executions had been carried out. While the government claims that its attacks were a way to defeat pro-Assad loyalists, the killing of unarmed innocent civilians says otherwise. The leader, when he had come to power, had shown commitment to safeguarding Syria’s diverse religious and ethnic minorities from persecution and violence. 

It is indeed heart-wrenching to see how the power struggles between certain groups have pushed people into bloodshed. Syria will only be able to develop and prosper if it assures equal participation and respect to every sect present in the country. The present government should present itself as a more responsible and accountable one. It has the responsibility to be pro-people in its conduct.  These kinds of incidents can lower the legitimacy of the government and people’s confidence in it. 

The interim government has the responsibility to bring peace to the country. Such mass killings can further push sentiments of intolerance in the nation. These also come across as a move that is against international human rights. Unarmed innocent civilians should not be the prey in the struggle between the loyalists and the government. Syria now must rise above the sectarian divide and push towards its socio-economic development.