Syrian security forces are reportedly killing Alawites, a minority group in the country, amid rising violence. Human rights monitors indicate that more than 1,000 people have died in the recent clashes, with the Associated Press noting that the toll includes 745 civilians, 148 Alawite militia members, and 125 government security personnel.
Most of the civilian deaths were caused by close-range shootings, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The violence began on Thursday when supporters of Bashar al-Assad, the former Syrian president, attacked a checkpoint controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel group that has been active in the region since the uprising began in December.
Adding to the turmoil, Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, has raised alarms about the new Syrian government, claiming it includes terrorists linked to Al Qaeda. During her Senate confirmation hearing, Gabbard expressed her disdain for both Assad and extremist groups, stating, “I just hate Al Qaeda. I hate that our leaders cozy up to Islamist extremists, calling them ‘rebels.’”
Gabbard has faced criticism for her views, with some accusing her of supporting Assad. In a notable exchange on Joe Rogan’s podcast, commentator Bari Weiss labeled her an “Assad toady,” although she admitted she didn’t fully understand the term.
In the midst of these developments, former President Donald Trump shared his thoughts on the situation via Truth Social. He urged the U.S. to stay out of the conflict, saying, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!”
The situation in Syria remains tense, as violence continues to escalate and the humanitarian crisis deepens. The international community watches closely, but the path forward remains uncertain.