As Syria grapples with the transition following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, a surge in sectarian violence threatens to destabilize the nation. Reports indicate a series of extrajudicial killings, with a disturbing pattern of revenge-based attacks targeting the Alawite community.
Rising Sectarian Tensions
Since Assad’s fall, various armed groups, including those linked to the transitional government, the former regime, and hardline Islamic factions, have been implicated in a wave of violence. The Institute for the Study of War reports a concerning trend of sectarian and revenge killings, specifically targeting Alawites, the religious group to which Assad belongs. On April 23, armed men carried out two separate attacks in Homs Province, resulting in the deaths of at least five Alawite civilians. The same day, vigilantes assassinated a former Syrian Arab Army member in Job al Jandali, Homs Province, while in Jableh, Latakia Province, unspecified armed men killed another Alawite civilian.
Salafi-Jihadi Group’s Role
Adding to the turmoil, a Salafi-jihadi group, ideologically aligned with the Islamic State (IS), is reportedly conducting extrajudicial killings targeting Syrians perceived to be connected to the former Assad regime. The group’s stated goal is to excommunicate those who fought IS, further complicating Syria’s transition by opposing both Assad supporters and the transitional government.
International Efforts and Regional Dynamics
Amidst the violence, international efforts to stabilize Syria continue. Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, recently reaffirmed Iran’s support for a unified and independent Syria, free from terrorism and foreign interference. Meanwhile, foreign governments and international institutions are reportedly easing sanctions and restrictions on Syria to aid in its economic recovery. The United Kingdom has lifted Assad-era sanctions on the Syrian interior and defense ministries, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have offered support to rebuild Syrian institutions.
Kurdish Negotiations and SDF Redeployment
In other developments, several Kurdish political parties are scheduled to convene to present a unified stance for future negotiations with Damascus, aiming to address demands such as constitutional recognition of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have also redeployed to several positions in villages west of Tishreen Dam, while the Syrian army’s 60th Division has been deployed to the area to remove unexploded ordnance.
Challenges Ahead
The transitional government faces significant challenges in maintaining law and order, addressing sectarian tensions, and preventing further revenge killings. The rise of extremist groups, coupled with the involvement of various armed factions, poses a serious threat to Syria’s stability. As the country navigates this fragile transition, the international community’s support and commitment to a peaceful resolution will be crucial in preventing a descent into further chaos and violence.