Condemning the atrocities committed by forces loyal to the Syrian transitional government in the province of Suwayda

The Alawites Association of the United States (AAUS) condemns in the strongest terms the atrocities committed by forces loyal to the Syrian transitional government in the province of Suwayda. These atrocities were preceded by an escalation in sectarian rhetoric against the Druze community by media figures and outlets loyal to the transitional authorities – similar to the uptick in sectarian rhetoric that preceded the massacres against Alawites in March.

The violence perpetrated by Bedouin militias and the forces of the ministries of defense and interior has claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians in Suwayda, including an Evangelical priest and his entire family and relatives. Also, a US citizen was killed when pro-government militias stormed Suwayda. Other atrocities includes a video showing pro-government militants forcing three unarmed men to jump off a balcony, and then shooting them while they fell to their deaths. Many of the horrifying images and videos coming out of Suwayda are reminiscent of the violations and atrocities committed by ISIS.

The de facto government in Syria has fundamentally misunderstood the intent behind international diplomatic messages and expressions of support, including those from the United States, which were meant to offer a renewed opportunity for a more stable and inclusive future for Syria. Rather than seizing this opportunity to foster peace and coexistence, this government has instead intensified its brutal repression of religious and ethnic minorities. These waves of violent crackdowns have often coincided with each new statement or gesture of international support, in a deliberate attempt to entrench its power through fear and to undermine the prospects of any democratic or peaceful solution.

It is incumbent upon the international community to pressure the transitional government to put an end to these attacks and the inflammatory sectarian rhetoric espoused by some of its officials and supporters. Unconditional support to the Syrian transitional government will only encourage it to ignore the roadmap for political transition in the country enshrined by UN Security Council Resolution 2254, and it will allow them to monopolize power at the expense of all Syrians.