Death Toll From a Wave of Sectarian Violence in Syria Passes 100

Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, a Syrian Druze spiritual leader, accused the government of a "genocidal attack" on his community following sectarian clashes that resulted in 101 deaths, primarily between Druze and Sunni Syrians. He condemned the Damascus government, calling for immediate international intervention and expressing distrust in its ability to protect its citizens, particularly after violence erupted due to a controversial recording involving a Druze man. The Syrian government has since deployed security forces to restore...

Since January 2024, American and British military strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen have resulted in at least 400 civilian deaths, including a devastating strike on a migrant detention center that killed 68 African migrants. While the Pentagon claims these operations aim to ensure maritime security, local voices express deep resentment and highlight the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing strikes and Houthi repression. Despite U.S. efforts, the Houthis have adapted, maintaining resilience and strategic...

The Syrian rebels who overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December aim to unify the country, yet sectarian violence persists, raising concerns among minority groups about protection from extremist factions. Recent attacks, including one by Islamist fighters against the Druse minority near Damascus, have heightened tensions, while a coordinated assault by Alawite groups resulted in mass killings, revealing the new government's fragile control. Additionally, the Kurds, who have an autonomous region, remain skeptical of the new leadership...

The United States anticipates new nuclear talks with Iran soon, although President Trump emphasized enforcing sanctions and called for a boycott of all Iranian oil and petrochemicals. A scheduled fourth round of talks in Rome has been delayed due to "logistical reasons," while the State Department clarified that no date or venue had been set. Trump's administration remains committed to a "maximum pressure" strategy against Iran, which seeks relief from sanctions while maintaining its nuclear...

SummarySheikh Hikmat al-Hijri condemned a "genocidal campaign" against the Druze community in Syria following sectarian clashes that resulted in 101 deaths. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned of a strong response if the Syrian regime fails to protect the Druze minority, amid ongoing violence that includes a recent wave of massacres. Despite the government's claims of maintaining security, Hijri expressed distrust, urging international intervention to safeguard the Druze from extremist violence and highlighting the complex...

Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, a Syrian Druze spiritual leader, condemned a "genocidal campaign" against the Druze community following deadly sectarian clashes that resulted in 101 deaths, including security forces and Druze fighters. The violence erupted after a controversial audio recording, leading to a truce in Jaramana and Sahnaya, but Hijri expressed distrust in the government, accusing it of using extremist militias. Meanwhile, Israel warned Syria to protect Druze communities, with foreign intervention calls being rejected by...