Just two days after Syria's new Islamist leadership issued a constitutional declaration, the government is already facing growing backlash and unrest over it. Watch in for more details!

Syria's new leadership faces Kurdish protests and growing unrest

Syria crisis: Kurds in Syria rise against Islamist leadership's constitutional declaration

For the first time in decades, Syrian Druze clerics have crossed the armistice line into the Golan Heights for a historic pilgrimage. The rare visit was met with celebrations as local Druze gathered, waving flags and chanting in joy. This moment marks a significant cultural and religious milestone for the community.

Syrian Druze clerics make historic pilgrimage to Israel after decades

The Syrian government has signed a deal with Kurdish-led forces, marking a significant shift in the country’s complex conflict. This agreement could lead to new dynamics in the region, potentially reshaping alliances and power structures.

Syria Crisis: Kurdish protest against new declaration, demands inclusivity

While the new Syrian regime has joined hands with Kurdish forces & administration, Damascus is grappling with one of the worst spikes of violence. Minorities, especially the Alawite community are being targeted in the country. Can Syria revive itself from this latest bout of deadly clashes?

Who is behind mass killings in Syria?

Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's new leader, signed a constitution for a five-year transitional period and laying out rights for women and freedom of expression. Sharaa, taking the lead of the region after Bashar al-Assad's dictatorship ended, called the beginning of his government a &ldquo;new history&rdquo; for Syria.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-new-leader-vows-investigation-into-mass-killings-of-alawite-civilians-who-are-they-8839193">Syria&rsquo;s new leader vows investigation into mass killings of Alawite civilians. Who are they?</a>
Sharaa's declaration comes just a week after a 'massacre' in&nbsp; Syria&rsquo;s Mediterranean in which at least 1,500 civilians were killed by the security forces. Most among them were from the Alawite minority to which the Assad family belongs.&nbsp;
The interim president of Syria said on Thursday (March 13) that he hoped the declaration would mark the beginning of &ldquo;a new history for Syria, where we replace oppression with justice &hellip; and suffering with mercy&rdquo;.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extremely-disturbing-around-1000-civilians-killed-in-syrias-one-of-the-biggest-massacres-since-assads-fall-8837931">'Extremely disturbing': 1,000 civilians killed in one of Syria's 'biggest massacres' since Assad's fall</a>
The declaration has mentioned the five years of transitional period in which a &ldquo;transitional justice commission&rdquo; would be formed to &ldquo;determine the means for accountability, establish the facts, and provide justice to victims and survivors&rdquo; of the former government&rsquo;s misdeeds.&nbsp;
The document further said that &ldquo;the glorification of the former Assad regime and its symbols&rdquo; is barred in Syria from now on, along with &ldquo;denying, praising, justifying or downplaying its crimes&rdquo;.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-delegation-supports-syrias-sovereignty-following-fall-of-bashar-al-assad-8664375">Russian delegation supports Syria's &lsquo;sovereignty' following fall of Bashar al-Assad</a>
<h2>'One of the biggest massacres'</h2>
In "one of the biggest massacres" since Bashar-al Assad's fall, Syria witnessed over 1,000 killings in the clashes between security forces and Assad regime loyalists since March 6. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that 973 civilians, 125 members of Syrian security forces and 148 Assad loyalists have been killed so far in the clashes.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/italian-ambassador-pitches-trieste-port-as-vital-link-in-india-middle-east-europe-corridor-8833843">Italian Ambassador pitches Trieste Port as vital link in India-Middle East-Europe Corridor</a>
The United Nations called the reports of entire families being killed in north-west Syria as "extremely disturbing". It is being considered as Syria's highest death toll since the start of its revolution in 2011.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's new leader, signed a constitution regulating its five-year transitional period and laying out rights for women and freedom of expression.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's new leader, signed a constitution for a five-year transitional period and laying out rights for women and freedom of expression. Sharaa, taking the lead of the region after Bashar al-Assad's dictatorship ended, called the beginning of his government a “new history” for Syria. Also read: Syria’s new leader vows investigation into mass killings of Alawite civilians. Who are they? Sharaa's declaration comes just a week after a 'massacre' in Syria’s Mediterranean in which at least 1,500 civilians were killed by the security forces. Most among them were from the Alawite minority to which the Assad family belongs. The interim president of Syria said on Thursday (March 13) that he hoped the declaration would mark the beginning of “a new history for Syria, where we replace oppression with justice … and suffering with mercy”. Also read: 'Extremely disturbing': 1,000 civilians killed in one of Syria's 'biggest massacres' since Assad's fall The declaration has mentioned the five years of transitional period in which a “transitional justice commission” would be formed to “determine the means for accountability, establish the facts, and provide justice to victims and survivors” of the former government’s misdeeds. The document further said that “the glorification of the former Assad regime and its symbols” is barred in Syria from now on, along with “denying, praising, justifying or downplaying its crimes”. Also read: Russian delegation supports Syria's ‘sovereignty' following fall of Bashar al-Assad 'One of the biggest massacres' In "one of the biggest massacres" since Bashar-al Assad's fall, Syria witnessed over 1,000 killings in the clashes between security forces and Assad regime loyalists since March 6. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that 973 civilians, 125 members of Syrian security forces and 148 Assad loyalists have been killed so far in the clashes. Also read: Italian Ambassador pitches Trieste Port as vital link in India-Middle East-Europe Corridor The United Nations called the reports of entire families being killed in north-west Syria as "extremely disturbing". It is being considered as Syria's highest death toll since the start of its revolution in 2011. (With inputs from agencies)

'A new history': Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa signs transitional constitution, forbids 'glorification' of Assad regime

#GRAVITAS |  The Israeli Army has struck a residential building on the outskirts of Syria's Damascus, killing at least one. As per the Israeli Military, this is the same building which acted as a command center of the militant group- Palestinian Islamic Jihad.  Watch this video to find out more.

Israeli airstrike hits residential building in Syria's Damascus, one dead

In a reported air strike by the Israeli forces on the Syrian capital Damascus on Thursday, the Tel Aviv led forces said that they attacked a Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad controlled command centre, which it said was used to direct ‘terrorist activities’ against Israel. Watch to know more!

Netanyahu warns Israel will retaliate against whoever attacks or plans to attack

#GRAVITAS |  Israel is gradually advancing its footprint in Syria and strengthening its base. Moreover, the government has tasked the Israeli Defence Forces or the IDF to prevent Syrian forces from gathering within 65 kilometers from the border with Israel. Watch this video to find out more.

Israel army to stay in Syria for 'indefinite period': Defence Minister

The Syrian presidency announced an agreement with the head of the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate the institutions of the autonomous Kurdish administration in the northeast into the national government.

Syrian announces agreement to integrate Kurdish institutions

Syria announces deal with Kurdish-led forces to integrate autonomous institutions

As Syria witnesses &ldquo;one of the biggest massacres&rdquo; since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, its new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to hunt down Assad loyalists and promised an investigation into the mass killings of Alawites following international backlash.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), 973 civilians had been killed as of Monday (Mar 10) in &ldquo;killings, field executions, and ethnic cleansing operations&rdquo; by security personnel or pro-government fighters on the west coast of the Alawite minority community.
Previous death tolls specified 830 &ldquo;executions&rdquo; targeted Alawites, to which Assad belonged, in Latakia and Tartus in the Mediterranean coastal region.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extremely-disturbing-around-1000-civilians-killed-in-syrias-one-of-the-biggest-massacres-since-assads-fall-8837931">'Extremely disturbing': 1,000 civilians killed in one of Syria's 'biggest massacres' since Assad's fall</a>
In a video posted by state news agency SANA, Syria&rsquo;s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa said, &ldquo;We will hold accountable, firmly and without leniency, anyone who was involved in the bloodshed of civilians... or who overstepped the powers of the state.&rdquo;
Earlier, the president announced on Telegram that an &ldquo;independent committee&rdquo; was formed to &ldquo;investigate the violations against civilians and identify those responsible for them.&rdquo;
The United Nations, Arab League, United States, Britain, and other governments have condemned the violence.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-1000-killed-women-being-forced-to-walk-naked-whats-happening-in-syria-8835464">Over 1,000 killed, women being forced to 'walk naked': What's happening in Syria?</a>
<h2>Who are Alawites?</h2>
The Alawites are a minority Shia sect in the Sunni-majority country of Syria. They make up only about 10-13 per cent of Syria&rsquo;s population of 23 million and have been a dominant community under the Assad regime since the nation got its independence from France in 1946.
Hafez al-Assad of the Alawite community became the president following a military coup in 1970. Following his death in 2000, his son Bashar al-Assad took over Syria, becoming the president under an authoritarian rule.
The long rule of the Assad family came to an end on December 8, 2025, when rebel forces seized the capital Damascus and overthrew Bashar al-Assad, ending his family&rsquo;s 54-year rule.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-70-killed-in-violent-clashes-between-syrian-government-forces-and-assad-loyalists-8830102">Over 70 killed in violent clashes between Syrian government forces and Assad loyalists</a>
<h2>Why are they being killed?</h2>
While the Alawites benefitted under the Assad family rule, becoming synonymous with power in the country where they were minorities, the ouster of the former president has resulted in a loss of their influence.
Reportedly, armed Sunni factions, who are loyal to the new government, launched revenge killing operations against Assad&rsquo;s minority community. This escalation has threatened the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Sunni faction that led rebels to remove Assad from power.
The conflict started when Syria's government forces attempted to detain a suspect near Jableh on Thursday (Mar 6). However, they were ambushed by armed Assad supporters. The security forces then launched crackdowns in Alawite strongholds along the Mediterranean coast.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-new-leaders-issue-stark-ultimatum-after-250-death-toll-urge-alawites-to-surrender-8833336">Syria&rsquo;s new leaders issue stark ultimatum after over 250 deaths, urge Alawites to surrender</a>
While the authorities claimed that remnants of Assad&rsquo;s forces were targeted, they admitted that &ldquo;individual actions&rdquo; contributed to the killings of civilians.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Middle East: Reportedly, armed Sunni factions, who are loyal to the new government, launched revenge killings against Assad’s minority community.

As Syria witnesses “one of the biggest massacres” since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, its new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to hunt down Assad loyalists and promised an investigation into the mass killings of Alawites following international backlash. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), 973 civilians had been killed as of Monday (Mar 10) in “killings, field executions, and ethnic cleansing operations” by security personnel or pro-government fighters on the west coast of the Alawite minority community. Previous death tolls specified 830 “executions” targeted Alawites, to which Assad belonged, in Latakia and Tartus in the Mediterranean coastal region. Also read | 'Extremely disturbing': 1,000 civilians killed in one of Syria's 'biggest massacres' since Assad's fall In a video posted by state news agency SANA, Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa said, “We will hold accountable, firmly and without leniency, anyone who was involved in the bloodshed of civilians... or who overstepped the powers of the state.” Earlier, the president announced on Telegram that an “independent committee” was formed to “investigate the violations against civilians and identify those responsible for them.” The United Nations, Arab League, United States, Britain, and other governments have condemned the violence. Also read | Over 1,000 killed, women being forced to 'walk naked': What's happening in Syria? Who are Alawites? The Alawites are a minority Shia sect in the Sunni-majority country of Syria. They make up only about 10-13 per cent of Syria’s population of 23 million and have been a dominant community under the Assad regime since the nation got its independence from France in 1946. Hafez al-Assad of the Alawite community became the president following a military coup in 1970. Following his death in 2000, his son Bashar al-Assad took over Syria, becoming the president under an authoritarian rule. The long rule of the Assad family came to an end on December 8, 2025, when rebel forces seized the capital Damascus and overthrew Bashar al-Assad, ending his family’s 54-year rule. Also read | Over 70 killed in violent clashes between Syrian government forces and Assad loyalists Why are they being killed? While the Alawites benefitted under the Assad family rule, becoming synonymous with power in the country where they were minorities, the ouster of the former president has resulted in a loss of their influence. Reportedly, armed Sunni factions, who are loyal to the new government, launched revenge killing operations against Assad’s minority community. This escalation has threatened the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Sunni faction that led rebels to remove Assad from power. The conflict started when Syria's government forces attempted to detain a suspect near Jableh on Thursday (Mar 6). However, they were ambushed by armed Assad supporters. The security forces then launched crackdowns in Alawite strongholds along the Mediterranean coast. Also read | Syria’s new leaders issue stark ultimatum after over 250 deaths, urge Alawites to surrender While the authorities claimed that remnants of Assad’s forces were targeted, they admitted that “individual actions” contributed to the killings of civilians. (With inputs from agencies)

Syria’s new leader vows investigation into mass killings of Alawite civilians. Who are they?

Syria is witnessing one of the worst episodes of violence since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, in the latest Syrian government and allied forces stormed several villages near the country's coast. Even as a Syrian war monitor said that 830 Alawites have been killed over the past four days. Watch in for more details!

Syria clashes: Syrian presidency announces 7-member committee to investigate violence

In "one of the biggest massacres" since Bashar-al Assad's fall, Syria witnessed over 1,000 killings in the clashes between security forces and Assad regime loyalists since March 6. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that 973 civilians, 125 members of Syrian security forces and 148 Assad loyalists have been killed so far in the clashes.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-70-killed-in-violent-clashes-between-syrian-government-forces-and-assad-loyalists-8830102">Over 70 killed in violent clashes between Syrian government forces and Assad loyalists</a>
The United Nations (UN) called the reports of entire families being killed in north-west Syria as "extremely disturbing". It is being considered as Syria's highest death toll since the start of its revolution in 2011.&nbsp;
"The total number of civilian martyrs who were liquidated amounted to 973, including women and children," SOHR said.&nbsp;
It added that "killings, field executions, and ethnic cleansing operations" were still ongoing following deadly clashes between security forces and Alawite gunmen loyal to toppled president Assad.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mufti-shah-mir-accused-of-kidnapping-kulbhushan-jadhav-killed-in-pakistan-8835736">Mufti Shah Mir, accused of kidnapping Kulbhushan Jadhav, killed in Pakistan</a>
&ldquo;We are receiving extremely disturbing reports of entire families, including women, children and hors de combat [surrendered] fighters, being killed,&rdquo; the UN commissioner for human rights, Volker T&uuml;rk, said on Sunday (March 9).&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-women-including-israeli-tourist-raped-male-friend-killed-while-stargazing-in-karnatakas-hampi-two-arrested-8834771">Two women including Israeli tourist raped, male friend killed while stargazing in Karnataka&rsquo;s Hampi; two arrested</a>
&ldquo;The killing of civilians in coastal areas in north-west Syria must cease, immediately," he added.&nbsp;
The Syrian government has not released figures for casualties.&nbsp;
<h2>What happened?&nbsp;</h2>
It all started on Thursday (March 6) when Syria's government forces attempted to detain a suspect near Jableh but were ambushed by armed Assad supporters.
The security forces launched crackdowns in Alawite strongholds along the Mediterranean coast. Authorities claimed that they were targeting remnants of Assad&rsquo;s forces but admitted that "individual actions" contributed to the killings of civilians.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/whatsapp-admin-killed-for-removing-member-from-group-in-pakistan-8836683">WhatsApp admin killed for removing member from group in Pakistan</a> Meanwhile, Syria&rsquo;s transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, said on Sunday at a mosque, &ldquo;We have to preserve national unity and domestic peace; we can live together."&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | In "one of the biggest massacres" since Bashar-al Assad's fall, Syria witnessed over 1,000 killings in the clashes  between security forces and Assad regime loyalists since March 6.

In "one of the biggest massacres" since Bashar-al Assad's fall, Syria witnessed over 1,000 killings in the clashes between security forces and Assad regime loyalists since March 6. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that 973 civilians, 125 members of Syrian security forces and 148 Assad loyalists have been killed so far in the clashes. Also read: Over 70 killed in violent clashes between Syrian government forces and Assad loyalists The United Nations (UN) called the reports of entire families being killed in north-west Syria as "extremely disturbing". It is being considered as Syria's highest death toll since the start of its revolution in 2011. "The total number of civilian martyrs who were liquidated amounted to 973, including women and children," SOHR said. It added that "killings, field executions, and ethnic cleansing operations" were still ongoing following deadly clashes between security forces and Alawite gunmen loyal to toppled president Assad. Also read: Mufti Shah Mir, accused of kidnapping Kulbhushan Jadhav, killed in Pakistan “We are receiving extremely disturbing reports of entire families, including women, children and hors de combat [surrendered] fighters, being killed,” the UN commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, said on Sunday (March 9). Also read: Two women including Israeli tourist raped, male friend killed while stargazing in Karnataka’s Hampi; two arrested “The killing of civilians in coastal areas in north-west Syria must cease, immediately," he added. The Syrian government has not released figures for casualties. What happened? It all started on Thursday (March 6) when Syria's government forces attempted to detain a suspect near Jableh but were ambushed by armed Assad supporters. The security forces launched crackdowns in Alawite strongholds along the Mediterranean coast. Authorities claimed that they were targeting remnants of Assad’s forces but admitted that "individual actions" contributed to the killings of civilians. Also read: WhatsApp admin killed for removing member from group in Pakistan Meanwhile, Syria’s transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, said on Sunday at a mosque, “We have to preserve national unity and domestic peace; we can live together." (With inputs from agencies)

'Extremely disturbing': 1,000 civilians killed in one of Syria's 'biggest massacres' since Assad's fall

Syria clashes: More than 1,000 people killed in sectarian violence since Thursday in Syria

Syria is witnessing one of the worst episodes of violence since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, in the latest Syrian government and allied forces stormed several villages near the country's coast. Even as a Syrian war monitor said that 745 civilians from the Alawite minority have been killed over the past three days. Watch in for more details!

Syria clashes: More than 1,000 people killed in 2 days of clashes in Syria, war monitor says

Syria clashes: 'Lay down your arms before it's too late': Sharaa warns Assad loyalists

A Syria war monitor reported on Saturday that more than 300 Alawite civilians have been killed in recent days by the security forces and their allies, as authorities clash with militants loyal to the former government of Bashar al-Assad.

Syria: Deadly clashes between Syrian government forces and Assad loyalists

Syria: At Least 340 Dead As Syria Government Fighters Clash With Assad Loyalists | WION

A Syria war monitor reported on Saturday that more than 300 Alawite civilians have been killed in recent days by the security forces and their allies


Syria News: At Least 300 Alawite Civilians Killed By Syrian Security Forces, Since Thursday | WION

Protest Erupts Near Russian Military Base In Syria | World News | Syria | WION

A war monitor reports that 300 Alawites have been executed in Syria, escalating tensions in the war-torn country. Interim President Farouk Sharaa has vowed to control the circulation of weapons, warning ex-President Bashar al-Assad's supporters to lay down arms. Meanwhile, the UN special envoy has raised concerns over the ongoing violence.

Syria clash: 300 Alawite executed in Syria: War Monitor

Syria Clash: Interim President Sharaa warns Assad's supporters

A war monitor reports that 162 Alawites have been executed in Syria, escalating tensions in the war-torn country. Interim President Farouk Sharaa has vowed to control the circulation of weapons, warning ex-President Bashar al-Assad's supporters to lay down arms. Meanwhile, the UN special envoy has raised concerns over the ongoing violence.

Syria clash: Syrian interim President vows to control circulation of weapons

Syria clash: 162 Alawites executed in Syria as violence escalates

Syria has plunged into fresh turmoil as its new authorities launched a brutal crackdown against Assad loyalists. A sweeping security operation is presently underway, following fierce clashes with fighters loyal to the ousted president, Bashar Assad.

Syria clashes: Syrian forces crack down on Assad-linked groups

More than 70 people were killed, and several others injured after forces loyal to ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad clashed with government personnel in the country's coastal region. Watch this report for more details!

71 killed in fresh clashes, Syrian forces crack down on Assad-linked groups

Syrian security forces sent military reinforcements to Latakia, on Syria's coast on Thursday (March 6). This comes after fighters linked to ousted leader Bashar al-Assad mounted a deadly attack on government forces.

Syria clash: Fierce fighting between security forces and gunmen loyal to Assad

At least 48 people have been killed in fresh clashes in Syria as security forces battle gunmen loyal to Bashar al-Assad. Fighting erupted in Latakia, and Syrian forces have arrested an ex-officer suspected of multiple killings. Meanwhile, Turkish President Erdogan claims over 133,000 Syrians have left since Assad’s fall.

Fresh clashes in Syria leave atleast 70 dead as violence escalates

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced on Sunday the formation of a committee to draft a constitutional declaration for the country's transition after the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.

Syria: 7-member committee to draft transitional constitutional charter

Syria is once again facing volatility after Israel attacked its southern front. Israel wants Syria to demilitarize itself.

Will Syria give up its military sites?

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