Syria's Patriarchs Urge End to Violence Amid 3,000 Civilian Deaths

Syria's top Christian leaders have condemned recent massacres targeting Alawites and other civilians, calling for an immediate end to the violence that has escalated since March 6. In a joint statement, the Patriarchs of Antioch highlighted an alarming increase in brutality, resulting in over 3,000 civilian deaths, primarily among Alawites and some Christians, amidst clashes involving the new Islamist-led government and remnants of the former regime. The Patriarchs called for national reconciliation and urged the new government, led by interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, to prioritize peace and protect all ethnic and religious communities. The U.S. government has also condemned these acts, stressing the need for accountability for the violence against minority groups, including Christians and Alawites. Reports indicate that the violence has involved severe human rights abuses, including field executions and the looting of properties belonging to minority communities. The situation represents one of the worst escalations in Syria's ongoing civil conflict, which has lasted over 14 years.