In recent weeks, Syria has witnessed renewed violence, particularly targeting the Alawite minority, which comprises about 10% of the population. The ruling Assad family, including ousted president Bashar al-Assad, belonged to this sect.
According to the UN Human Rights Office, the clashes between the Syrian army and rebel forces have resulted in brutal massacres of Alawite civilians, with at least 1,383 people killed in early March - over 830 of them Alawites, many executed in mass killings.
On Saturday, The Guardian reported that fighting erupted on March 6 when Assad loyalists attacked government forces, triggering a wave of retaliatory violence against Alawite civilians. Over four days, more than 1,000 people were killed, including 745 civilians.
Ongoing turmoil in Syria
As reported by Polish news outlet Onet, the Syrian government claims the violence began after an attack by Assad loyalists and attributes civilian deaths to rogue elements rather than state-sanctioned actions. The interim Islamist-led authorities have vowed to hold perpetrators accountable and have launched an investigative commission.
Historically, Alawites played a dominant role in Syria’s power structures, making them a primary target in the country’s new political landscape. As a sect rooted in Shia Islam, they supported a secular state under the Assads, a stance that often aligned them with Syria’s Christian minority, which also feared radical Islamist rule.
Polish FM Sikorski addresses attacks on Christians with Syrian foreign minister
“When attacks on Christians happen, it is a matter of great importance to us,” Sikorski stated during his meeting with al-Shaibani.
Poland’s Foreign Ministry later emphasized in a social media statement that “the protection of religious freedoms is a test of freedom in general.”
Poland’s stance on Syria
On the same day, Sikorski also attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels, where Syria was among the topics discussed. Regarding this issue, the Polish FM expressed support for a gradual lifting of sanctions and constructive engagement with Syria’s new leadership.
“Stability in Syria is now the top priority,” Poland’s Foreign Ministry stated in an official communiqué. The head of Polish diplomacy also stressed the importance of protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
On the sidelines of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Minister Radosław Sikorski also engaged in diplomatic discussions with his Spanish and Lebanese counterparts, José Manuel Albares and Youssef Raggi.
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Source: MSZ/The Guardian/Onet.pl/X/@PolandMFA/@sebusher