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Uttar Pradesh: Taufiq and his aides attack temple priest for playing bhajans on loudspeakers during Ramzan, threaten to evict Hindus from village

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Taufiq and his aides attack temple priest for playing bhajans on loudspeakers during Ramzan, threaten to evict Hindus from village

On Friday (7th March) evening, a Muslim mob barged into the premises of a Shiva temple and attacked the pujari for playing bhajans on loudspeakers during the month of Ramzan.

The incident occurred in Sikandrabad village in Tanda Tehsil in the Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh. According to reports, the extremists were identified as Israel, Taufiq, Bhuri, Iqbal, Najru, Shaida, Shakeel, Munsa Ali, Gulnaz, and Anees.

Pujari Prem Singh plays bhajans on loudspeakers each morning and evening during aarti time. An irked Muslim mob broke into the temple on Friday (7th March) evening and had a heated argument with the Pujari.

Thereafter, the extremists dragged Prem Singh outside the temple premises and thrashed him mercilessly. Taufiq and his aides told Singh that they had the support of the village Head, Afsar Ali.

The extremists also threatened to evict Hindus from Sikandrabad and confiscate their properties if Prem Singh dared to play bhajans on the loudspeaker.

Following the incident, a tense situation ensued in the Sikandrabad village. A large team of police was deployed in the village to prevent any untoward incident.

The cops had meanwhile arrested 12 Muslim men in connection to the brutal attack on the Pujari of the Shiva temple. The development was confirmed by Police Inspector Omkar Singh.

The Hindus, whose population is relatively low in the village, have expressed fears about their safety and security.

Three civilians including a minor found dead 3 days after they went missing in Kathua, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says terrorists killed them

OpIndia Staff
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Three civilians including a minor found dead 3 days after they went missing in Kathua, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says terrorists killed them

After the bodies of three civilians who went missing on Thursday (6th March) were found in a river in the Malhar area of the Kathua district of Jammu on Saturday (8th March), Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh informed that the civilians were killed by terrorists.

“The brutal killing of three youths by terrorists in the Bani area of district #Kathua is extremely sad as well as a matter of great concern. There appears to be a deep conspiracy to spoil the atmosphere in this peaceful area. We have discussed this matter with the concerned officials. The Union Home Secretary himself is reaching Jammu so that the situation can be assessed on the spot. I am confident that it will be ensured that such incidents do not happen again and the confidence of the people remains firm,” the Union Minister wrote on X.

The victims including a minor have reportedly been identified as Yogesh (32), Darshan (40) and Varun (14). As per reports, the victims were last seen at a wedding function about three days ago. While returning from the function from Billawar’s Dehota village to Surag village in Malhar, they got separated from other guests near Inchhu forests. On reaching Surag, the other guests informed the police after noticing that they were missing. A search operation was launched to locate them.

BJP MLA Satesh Sharma raised the issue of the civilians going missing in the state assembly on Friday. “I want to inform you about the three missing civilians. We want to seek answers from the government, ” he said.

A massive search operation was launched by the Indian Army and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police after the missing report was filed. Notably, one of the missing persons called his family two days ago saying that they lost their way in the forest. Security forces discovered their bodies in a river flowing through the Inchhu forests on Saturday.

Outraged by the killings of the civilians, people in Billawar declared a bandh and held protests. Paramilitary forces have reportedly been deployed to pacify to keep the situation under control. BJP MLA Dr Rameshwar Singh, who visited the sub-district hospital at Billwar to meet the families of the deceased on Saturday (8th March) night was manhandled by angry protestors.

Agra police arrest Faizal Khan, Bilabil Khan and others for harassing minor school girls on the street

OpIndia Staff
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Agra police arrest Faizal Khan, Bilabil Khan and others for harassing minor school girls on the street

Agra police arrested four boys for harassing a group of school girls standing outside their school in the Rakabganj area in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday (8th March). The police sprung into action after CCTV videos of the incident went viral on the internet. Several Hindu organisations including Bajrang Dal, and Vishwa Mahasabha protested against the incident.

ACP Sadar Vinayak Bhonsale reportedly said that an FIR was lodged by the anti-Romeo team of the police at the Rakabganj police station on Saturday evening. Subsequently, the police arrested the culprits identified as Faizan Khan, Bilabal Khan alias Chulbul, Sohail Khan and Pankaj Soni. All four accused are residents of the Eidgah Kutlupur area. Soon after being arrested, the accused apologised and promised not to repeat the behaviour.

Two CCTV videos of the incident said to have occurred on Saturday morning had gone viral on social media. One of the videos shows a boy wearing a skull cap sitting on a bullet near a group of five girls wearing school uniforms. Two other boys are also seen standing there. He utters something after which the girls walk away. He then pulls one of the girls by hand.

In the second video, a boy wearing a skull cap is sitting on a bike is three girls are standing near him. He pulls the hand of one of the girls and kisses it. At the same time, some interaction is happening between the boy and the girl.

Youth Brigade state president Ajay Tomar described the incident as love jihad. He said that Hindu girls are being victimised through love jihad. He urged the administration to investigate the incident and take action against the accused. ACP Women Security Sukanya Sharma said that cognizance of the video has been taken.

Uttar Pradesh: Contractor Ejaz Khan converts minors, aged 12 and 6, to Islam, forcefully circumcises them – Read exclusive FIR details

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Contractor Ejaz Khan converts minors, aged 12 and 6, to Islam, forcefully circumcises them – Read exclusive FIR details

On 6th March, Rampur police filed a case against a contractor named Ejaz Khan for allegedly coercing a labourer, Amanpal, into converting his two sons, aged 12 and 6, to Islam. Hindu organisations were informed about the matter, after which they staged protests outside the police station and demanded strict action. One person, Ali Mohammed, was detained by the police for questioning.

The complaint was filed by the uncle of the labourer, Sompal. Following the complaint, an FIR under Section 118(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 3 and 5(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021, was registered at Shahbad Police Station. Additionally, SC/ST Act provisions under Section 3(2)(5) have been added during the investigation.

Content of the FIR

OpIndia accessed a copy of the FIR. According to the complaint filed by Sompal, his nephew Amanpal and his family were taken by contractor Ejaz Khan to Osi village in Shahbad under the pretext of providing employment. However, Ejaz Khan coerced Amanpal into circumcising his two sons, aged 12 and 6 years, and converting them to Islam.

Sompal accused Khan of coercing Amanpal into religious conversion through inducements and pressure. He requested the police to take immediate legal action against Khan for forced conversion and religious coercion.

Amanpal released a video to deny allegations

As the case gained traction, Amanpal released a video claiming that conversion or circumcision did not happen. He stated that neither he nor his children had undergone religious conversion or circumcision. He also claimed that the police had been harassing him because of the complaint filed by his uncle.

Police probe ongoing amid conflicting claims

Circle Officer Harshita Singh initiated an extensive investigation. She visited the construction site in Osi village to record statements from multiple individuals. In a statement, she confirmed that Amanpal has denied the claims of conversion.

The video released by Amanpal complicated the matter, as he showed his family at a temple performing Hindu rituals. The video was reportedly recorded in an under-construction temple. The police have taken cognisance of the video and are investigating to confirm its authenticity.

Meanwhile, Sompal has maintained his stance that his nephew has converted his children to Islam. He alleged that Amanpal has been lying to evade legal consequences in the matter.

Authorities searching for missing family

Speaking to the media, CO Singh stated that all necessary statements are being recorded. However, Ejaz Khan, Amanpal and his family have reportedly gone missing. Authorities are actively tracing the family, and further legal action will follow based on their statements.

Indian govt condemns the “despicable” act of vandalism at BAPS Hindu temple in California, urges US govt to take stringent action

ANI
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Indian govt condemns the “despicable” act of vandalism at BAPS Hindu temple in California, urges US govt to take stringent action

India on Sunday condemned the vandalism at a Hindu temple in California in the United States.

Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal termed the attack as “despicable” and urged local authorities to take stringent action against those responsible.

“We have seen reports regarding the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms. We call upon the local law enforcement authorities to take stringent action against those responsible for these acts, and also ensure adequate security to places of worship,” the MEA said.

A BAPS Hindu Temple located in Chino Hills, California was vandalised with desecratory messages, days ahead of a so-called ‘Khalistani referendum’ in Los Angeles.

The official X page of BAPS for the United States, shared the details of the incident that took place at a BAPS Hindu Temple located in Chino Hills, California.

It also stressed that they will “never let hate take root” and peace and compassion shall prevail.

In a post on X, BAPS Public Affairs wrote, “In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stand steadfast against hate. Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root. Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail.”

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), also shared details of the incident on X, and said the desecration of the iconic BAPS Temple in California comes ahead of the “so called Khalistan referendum” in Los Angeles.

“Another Hindu Temple vandalized – this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA. It’s just another day in a world where media and academics will insist there is no anti-Hindu hate and that #Hinduphobia is just a construct of our imagination. Not surprising this happens as the day for a so called “Khalistan referendum” in LA draws close.”

The post listed down other recent cases of vandalism of temples from 2022 onwards and gave a call for investigation into the matter.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Syria: Revenge killings claim 1000 lives so far, Alawite women paraded naked on streets by security forces

OpIndia Staff
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Syria: Revenge killings claim 1000 lives so far, Alawite women paraded naked on streets by security forces

Around 1000 people have been killed in two days in the ongoing revenge killings between the security forces and the supporters of the ousted Al-Assad regime in Syria, which started on Thursday (6th March).

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reportedly confirmed on Saturday (8th March) that in addition to 745 civilians said to be killed mostly in shooting from a close distance, 125 government security force members and 148 militants with armed groups affiliated with President Bashar al-Assad have been killed so far.

The revenge killings started on Thursday (6th March) after Sunni Muslim gunmen loyal to the interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Mohammad al-Julani, began revenge killings against the Alawite minority community loyal to the Assad regime.

The interim government justified the killings of civilians saying that it was only responding to attacks from remnants of Assad’s forces and blamed ‘individual actions’ for the violence.

Within three months of the Assad regime being ousted following an insurgency led by the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the violent clashes have marked a major challenge for the new government in Syria.

The Alawite minority lives in the coastal towns of Latakia and Tartous. As per the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, drinking water and electricity have also been cut off in several Alawite majority areas in Latakia.

Alawites reportedly made up a significant part of President Assad’s support base and enjoyed high-ranking posts and privileges in his regime.

According to reports, unleashing brutality on the Alawaite minority, the gunmen shot their people, mostly men, in the streets or at the gates of their homes. The gunmen looted several houses and set them on fire.

Thousands of people from the community are said to have fled to the nearby mountains to save their lives. Some of them have also fled to Lebonan.

Women paraded naked, teenage boy forced to shoot his family

Hiding their identities, some people from the Alawite community narrated the details of the atrocity. “They forcibly brought people down to the streets, then they lined them up and started shooting them,” a resident of Baniyasin on the west coast of Syria was quoted by Sky News.

“They left nobody. They left nobody at all. The scene that I saw was pure horror; it’s just indescribable,” he added. Another person reportedly claimed that Alawaite women were paraded on streets naked before being shot and that a teenage boy was forced to shoot his own family with a gun.

Nasser said that many people were sheltering at the Russian air base in Hmeimim, Syria, adding that the international community should protect Alawites who are Syrian citizens loyal to their country. He said that since Assad’s fall, many Alawites were fired from their jobs and some former soldiers who reconciled with the new authorities were killed.

‘F*ck Modi, Modi Murdabad, Hindustan Murdabad’: Extremists vandalise BAPS Mandir in US, deface temple walls with hateful messages

OpIndia Staff
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‘F*ck Modi, Modi Murdabad, Hindustan Murdabad’: Extremists vandalise BAPS Mandir in US, deface temple walls with hateful messages

On Saturday (8th March), extremists carried out vandalism at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Chino Hills in California State of the US. The temple walls were defaced with slogans such as ‘F*ck Modi, Modi Murdabad, Hindustan Murdabad.’

BAPS confirmed the incident through a post on the social media platform X and drew attention to the hateful messages that were written on the temple walls.

In the post on X, BAPS stated, “In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands steadfast against hate. Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root. Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail.”

Later, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) condemned the vandalism and drew attention to similar incidents in the past. CoHNA pointed out that the incident has occurred just days before the so-called ‘Khalistan referendum’ scheduled in Los Angeles.

They said, “Another Hindu temple vandalised—this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA. It’s just another day in a world where media and academics will insist there is no anti-Hindu hate and that #Hinduphobia is just a construct of our imagination. Not surprising this happens as the day for a so-called ‘Khalistan referendum’ in LA draws close.”

Series of attacks on Hindu temples

This is not the first time a Hindu place of worship has been targeted.

On 3rd August and 16th August 2022, the Shri Tulsi Mandir in Queens, New York, was vandalised. On 30th October 2023, the Hari Om Radha Krishna Mandir in Sacramento was attacked. On 23rd December 2023, the SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Newark, California, was desecrated.

At the beginning of 2024, there was a series of such incidents. On 1st January, the Shiv Durga Temple in Santa Clara was defaced. Four days later, on 5th January, both the Shree Ashta Lakshmi Temple in Fremont and Vijay’s Sherawali Temple in Hayward were targeted.

On 11th January 2024, the Sri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple in Dublin, California, faced vandalism. More recently, on 17th September 2024, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was vandalised. On 25th September, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was targeted.

How the United Nations played a crucial role in ensuring the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister of Bangladesh

Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury
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How the United Nations played a crucial role in ensuring the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister of Bangladesh

The United Nations’ role in global crises has long been a subject of debate, but a shocking revelation from Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has raised serious concerns about its involvement in Bangladesh’s recent turmoil.

In a candid interview with the BBC, Türk admitted that the UN actively discouraged the Bangladesh Armed Forces from taking action against anti-government protestors, who were, in reality, members of extremist groups like Al Qaeda, ISIS, Hizb ut-Tahrir, and Hamas.

His admission suggests that the UN not only facilitated but also played a pivotal role in the jihadist coup that overthrew the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024.

As new details emerge, questions are being raised about Türk’s deep connections with controversial figures such as Muhammad Yunus and George Soros, and whether the UN’s human rights leadership has been complicit in destabilizing Bangladesh.

Interview of BBC with Volker Turk

During his appearance on BBC’s HardTalk program on March 5, 2025, the presenter questioned Türk about the crises in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and other war-torn regions, emphasizing the UN’s apparent powerlessness in resolving these conflicts in accordance with international law.

In response, Türk stated, “I am giving you an example of Bangladesh last year. During July-August, there were massive demonstrations by students. They had enough of the previous government under Sheikh Hasina; there was massive repression happening”.

He continued, “The big hope for them was actually our voice, my voice, and what we were able to do. We put the spotlight on the situation. And we actually gave the warning to the army that if they got involved, they might no longer be allowed to contribute troops to peacekeeping missions. As a result, we saw changes”.

Volker Türk further added, “When Muhammad Yunus took over as the new chief adviser of the interim administration, he asked me immediately, ‘Can you send us a fact-finding mission to put a spotlight on the situation and investigate what was happening?’ – which is what we did, and it actually helped. I went to Bangladesh last year. The students were so grateful for us taking a stand, for us speaking out, and for supporting them”.

Here, Volker Türk clearly lied. He has been on the payroll of George Soros for decades and has long-standing ties with Hillary Clinton and Muhammad Yunus.

As Islamists and jihadists intensified their anti-government protests in preparation for the jihadist coup, Muhammad Yunus called Türk from France and requested his influence in ousting and assassinating Sheikh Hasina.

Yunus urged Türk to pressure the Bangladesh Armed Forces by threatening to expel them from UN peacekeeping missions if they took countermeasures against Yunus’s network of Islamists and jihadists.

Another alarming revelation from Volker Türk’s admission is his role in organizing a “fact-finding mission” to investigate alleged “repressions” by the Awami League government against unruly protestors.

Prior to this, Türk traveled to Bangladesh, held meetings with Muhammad Yunus and his Islamist-jihadist allies, and subsequently produced a report that Yunus has used as a shield to justify the massive crimes and terrorist acts committed under his regime.

OHCHR report exposes human rights violations in Bangladesh

The February 12, 2025, report issued by the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has been extensively used by the Yunus regime to depict Sheikh Hasina’s government as a gross violator of human rights and a perpetrator of crimes against humanity.

With significant financial resources, the new regime has leveraged media coverage and public relations campaigns to legitimize its rule.

At the same time, it is making every effort to suppress Chapter 6 of the report, which Türk was unable to exclude, and to prevent its publication in both local and international media. The contents of this chapter are crucial in exposing why the Yunus administration fears its dissemination.

To control the narrative surrounding its rise to power, the Yunus-led regime in Bangladesh is aggressively attempting to suppress Chapter 6 of the recently released UN Human Rights Commission (OHCHR) report.

While the regime is actively using media and PR firms to highlight alleged human rights violations by the previous Sheikh Hasina government, it is simultaneously blocking access to key sections of the report that expose the violent and extremist forces behind its own ascent.

Chapter 6 details chilling accounts of mob lynchings, targeted killings of police officers and political opponents, and the role of Islamist-jihadist groups in orchestrating the crisis.

This raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of the new government and its broader implications for regional security. Why is the Yunus regime so desperate to bury this chapter, and what does it reveal about the forces that brought it to power?

Conclusion

Volker Türk’s latest admission clearly demonstrates how the United Nations has played a key role in facilitating terrorism and jihadism – whether in Gaza or in Bangladesh.

Commenting on Türk’s tenure, Foreign Policy magazine stated in an article, “Volker Türk lacks the temperament to be the United Nations human rights chief”.

Another report from Devex noted, “Türk, a close, trusted confidant of [UN Secretary-General] António Guterres, beat out a field of about a dozen potential candidates from Europe, Asia, and Africa for the top UN human rights job. The Biden administration, which did not formally back any candidate, has generally responded favorably to Türk. ‘We like him,’ said one US official”.

One may ask – why do Joe Biden and his administration, including Antony Blinken, “like” Volker Türk? The answer is simple. Türk is a protégé of George Soros, who has long sought to place his own puppets in key UN positions to implement his agenda.

Since Muhammad Yunus has been a friend and financial associate of Soros for decades, it is only natural that Volker Türk would serve the interests of both Yunus and Soros.

Now, the key question is – given Volker Türk’s public admission that he prevented the Bangladesh Armed Forces from taking necessary action against Islamists, jihadists, and terrorists – who have murdered hundreds of policemen, Hindus, Christians, and religious minorities and caused destruction worth hundreds of millions of dollars – should Volker Türk and his accomplices at the United Nations now face trial for aiding and abetting crimes against humanity perpetrated by Muhammad Yunus and his Islamist-jihadist allies?

Love Jihad in UP: Gufran poses as Jay Prakash to marry a Hindu girl; blackmails her with private videos to pressure her to convert to Islam

OpIndia Staff
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Love Jihad in UP: Gufran poses as Jay Prakash to marry a Hindu girl; blackmails her with private videos to pressure her to convert to Islam

A man named Gufran has been accused of tricking a Hindu woman in the Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh under false pretences. Gufran reportedly posed as a Hindu man to befriend the victim on Instagram and subsequently marry her. When the truth came to light, the woman filed a complaint against him at the Ubhanv police station. The police registered the case and arrested the man.

According to reports, the woman, who lives in a village under the Ubhanv police jurisdiction, accused a young man from Jamuwan Khampur of deceiving her. The man, named Gufran, impersonated a Hindu and befriended her on Instagram. After becoming close, he married her at a temple and they engaged in physical relations, secretly recording a video. Later, he revealed that his real name was not Jay Prakash, but Gufran and that he was from the Muslim community.

The woman accused him of cheating and pressuring her to convert to Islam and marry him. Distressed, she filed a complaint with the police. After investigating, the Ubhanv police registered the case and arrested the accused, Gufran.

Rasda CO Ashish Mishra reported that on March 7, a woman from Belthra Road, within the Ubhanv police jurisdiction, filed a complaint. She claimed that a man from another community had contacted her on Instagram and exploited her physically. Based on her complaint, a case was registered, and the accused was arrested and sent to jail. Further legal proceedings are ongoing.

Syria: As over 340 Alawites killed by security forces; read who they are and why they are being massacred by Ahmed al-Sharaa’s interim government

OpIndia Staff
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Syria: As over 340 Alawites killed by security forces; read who they are and why they are being massacred by Ahmed al-Sharaa’s interim government

Syria has witnessed brutal attacks against members of the Alawite minority since the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad. In mid-January 2025, it was reported that Alawite villagers in Homs province became targets of attacks linked to the interim government headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Mohammad al-Julani. In one of the targeted attacks, at least six civilians were reportedly killed, and homes were set ablaze in the village of Tasnin.

Since then, violence against Alawites has erupted and sharply escalated in early March 2025 in Syria’s coastal heartland, Latakia and Tartous. These regions are heavily populated by Alawites. Fighters loyal to the former regime and the interim government clashed, leading to curfews in major coastal cities.

Amid the unrest, evidence of massacres has emerged. As per reports, over 340 people from the Alawite community, including women and children, have been killed by gunmen and security forces. It has been alleged that Syrian security forces have executed at least 52 Alawite civilians in Latakia province. According to Reuters, several Alawites were killed as the Islamist-led government moved to crush the Alawite insurgency. Videos showing bodies of Alawite men piled and even dragged behind cars surfaced on social media.

Local activists and members of the Alawite community blamed militias aligned with the new government for these attacks. However, Syrian officials have insisted that these incidents were isolated “violations” amid efforts to curb pro-Assad rebels.

Who are the Alawites?

Alawites are a small but influential religious minority in Syria. They comprise around 10% to 15% of the country’s total population. Alawites are an offshoot of the Shia community and hold heterodox beliefs, following Ali (cousin of Prophet Muhammad) as a central figure. The community was historically marginalised under Ottoman Sunni rule. However, they rose to prominence in the 20th century, especially after Hafez al-Assad took control of Syria.

For the next five decades, the Assad family effectively ruled Syria, and Alawite elites dominated the military and security services. When Bashar al-Assad came to power, he continued this pattern and placed his fellow Alawites in key positions in the army and intelligence apparatus. The Sunni majority in Syria resented Alawite domination during Assad’s rule. At the same time, Alawites stood firmly with Assad, fearing they would face persecution or even extermination if the regime fell—and that is exactly what has been happening since Assad’s removal.

Notably, Assad was close to Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, both Shia allies. This further cemented the perception that Alawites were aligned with Shiite interests in a Sunni-majority country.

Why are they being targeted?

The recent massacres of Alawites have resulted in political and sectarian uproar. The Sunni-led rebel factions see Alawites as synonymous with the Assad regime. Reportedly, Assad brutally suppressed dissent during his rule. Now that he is gone, some elements seek retribution against those they see as responsible for past atrocities. Entire Alawite villages are considered loyal to the ousted president, making them easy targets for fighters seeking revenge.

The interim government under Ahmed al-Sharaa has framed its campaign as a security operation against the remnants of the old regime. Al-Sharaa was once a jihadist commander. He has vowed to pursue Assad loyalists and bring them to trial. In practice, however, his forces have launched large-scale offensives in Alawite areas under the pretext of quelling an insurgency.

The Alawite Islamic Council has accused government fighters of terrorising and killing Syrians. Contrary to these accusations, the fighters have been posing as hunters of “regime remnants”.

Sectarian ideology is yet another reason for the massacres. Hardline Sunni militants have long seen Alawites as enemies. Notably, al-Julani’s own rhetoric during the war often had sectarian overtones. In 2015, as leader of al-Qaeda’s Syrian branch, he even urged retaliatory attacks on Alawite villages in Latakia to avenge regime-aligned offensives.

In short, Alawites are being targeted because they are seen as supporters of the past “dictatorship” and as members of a sect that the victors of Syria’s civil war have historically demonised.

Implications for Syria’s future

The ongoing attacks on Alawites threaten stability in Syria and the surrounding regions. There is a risk that they will further fuel sectarian conflict. If the interim government fails to stop the revenge killings, it will alienate minorities, and divisions between communities will deepen.

There are also international concerns, with the UN, Russia, and Iran calling for restraint. Even Saudi Arabia and Turkey, which back the new regime, worry that this conflict will have long-term consequences. Alawite clerics are now urging the UN to intervene. Unless the ruling interim government changes its course of action, Syria risks sliding back into chaos.

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