The article discusses the recent violent attacks against Syria’s Alawite community, which include summary executions confirmed by the UN. It highlights a new agreement between Syrian authorities and Kurdish forces, humanitarian aid efforts in Syria, the arrest of former President Duterte in the Philippines for drug war abuses, and the deteriorating healthcare situation in Sudan amidst ongoing conflict.
Recent reports indicate widespread violence against the Alawite community in Syria, where summary executions of entire families have been confirmed by the UN Human Rights Office. Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for OHCHR, reported that 111 deaths have been officially recorded, although the actual toll may exceed 1,000. Security forces, allied with Syria’s Caretaker Authorities, are believed to have targeted these communities in coastal regions affiliated with ousted President Bashar Al Assad.
OHCHR has documented numerous summary executions that seem to be carried out on a sectarian basis in the governorates of Tartus, Latakia, and Hama. Reports suggest that armed groups, purportedly aligned with the caretaker authorities, have engaged in these attacks. Survivors recount harrowing experiences, where attackers distinguished victims based on their sect and executed many men in front of their families. Notably, hospitals have also been attacked, threatening the safety of medical personnel and patients alike.
On a positive note, the United Nations has welcomed a new agreement forged between the Caretaker Authorities and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This accord aims to integrate fighting units into Syria’s national army and recognizes the Kurds’ role within the state. UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen expressed optimism that this agreement could facilitate a credible and inclusive political transition, as stipulated by Security Council resolution 2254.
Humanitarian efforts in Syria remain critical, with cross-border aid deliveries continuing from Turkey to northwest Syria. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric highlighted the significance of recent assistance that included food and hygiene kits to those affected by recent violence. Around 31 trucks delivered over 600 metric tons of essential supplies through the Bab al-Hawa crossing, indicating ongoing efforts to assist displaced populations.
In Manila, former President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested pursuant to an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, amidst ongoing investigations into extrajudicial killings during his controversial “war on drugs.” While the ICC is not affiliated with the UN, it maintains cooperative agreements with the organization. The OHCHR has condemned these actions, highlighting the systematic nature of the violations under Duterte’s regime and the need for justice for victims and their families.
In Sudan, civilians face exceptionally dire conditions amid ongoing conflict, particularly in North Darfur’s El Fasher. The fighting between the transitional military government and the Rapid Support Forces has exacerbated a humanitarian disaster, significantly impacting healthcare availability. Stéphane Dujarric reported that over 200 health facilities in El Fasher are non-functional, with severe shortages of medical personnel and supplies. The persistent violence has overwhelmed the already fragile healthcare system, leaving millions without access to necessary medical care.
Compounding this crisis, the World Health Organization notes that over 70 percent of hospitals in conflict-affected areas are no longer operational. Since the war began, nearly 150 attacks on healthcare facilities have been documented, greatly exacerbating the humanitarian situation and threatening the lives of countless civilians in Sudan.
In summary, Syria is currently grappling with severe violence against the Alawite community, leading to numerous extrajudicial executions and hospital attacks. The UN has recognized a new political agreement between Syrian factions aimed at fostering stability and engaging in humanitarian aid delivery. Concurrently, the arrest of former President Duterte reflects ongoing accountability efforts for his administration’s violent policies in the Philippines. In Sudan, the ongoing conflict continues to devastate healthcare access, presenting a critical humanitarian crisis for millions of civilians.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
