Massacre allegations in Syria prompt action from US and Russia: UN Security Council to meet today

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

The international community has reacted to attacks by jihadist groups against Alawites in the Syrian city of Latakia. The US Department of State stated that it condemns the events. The department emphasized that they stand with ethnic minorities in Syria. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that there are Syrians seeking refuge at the Hmeimim Air Base and called for an end to attacks on civilians. Both countries have called for an 'emergency' meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the situation in Syria.

Violent clashes occurred in the western and northern regions of Syria between March 7-8. The Syrian Transitional Government sent more than 55 thousand militants to Latakia and Tartus. It was alleged that attacks on civilians in the region have increased. United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen stated that civilian casualties are a cause for deep concern and called on the parties to exercise restraint.

According to a report by the French news agency AFP, it is alleged that more than 1000 civilians have lost their lives in attacks by armed groups affiliated with the transitional government. It was announced that all residents of Baniyas, where the population is half Alawite and half Sunni, were massacred.

Syrian media stated that clashes between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and opposition groups in Latakia have been ongoing for four days. Syrian journalists claimed that there has been an increase in executions, torture, and kidnappings targeting civilians.

INTERNATIONAL REACTIONS TO MASSACRE ALLEGATIONS

Foreign ministries of Middle Eastern and Western countries condemned the attacks on civilians in statements they released. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry condemned the events and emphasized that civilians must be protected. According to allegations in the Iraqi press, intelligence units have recommended that the government intervene in Syria.

In a statement regarding the events in Latakia, the US Department of State condemned the attacks on civilians and used the following expressions:

''The US condemns the radical Islamist terrorists who are massacring civilians in western Syria. We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. We stand with the ethnic minorities in Syria.''

The German Foreign Ministry condemned the violence in the Tartus, Latakia, and Homs regions of Syria and noted the following:

'The killing of civilians and detainees is shocking. The Syrian government is obligated to prevent attacks and bring those responsible to justice.'

The Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry, while supporting HTS, issued a statement saying, 'We condemn the crimes committed by illegal groups and the targeting of security forces.'

'PROVOCATION' REMARK FROM AL-SHARA

At least 11 security personnel lost their lives in an attack carried out in the Jableh district of Latakia on March 6. Following the attack, the Syrian army sent reinforcement units to the region. It was reported that more than 50 security personnel were killed in the operations.

Syrian Transitional Government President Ahmed al-Shara claimed that the events have been brought under control and stated the following:

'Our security forces must be vigilant against provocations. We must avoid extremism.'

News Source: 12punto