Massacre of Alawites deepens tensions between Iraq and Syria

The recent massacre targeting Syria's Alawite minority has sparked significant reactions in Iraq, jeopardizing prospects for normalized diplomatic relations with Syria's HTS-dominated transitional government.

Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed grave concern over the escalation of violence in Syria, amid harrowing reports emerging from the coastal provinces where some have estimated that up to 3,000 Alawites were killed. In its statement, the ministry urged all involved parties to show restraint and prioritize peaceful resolutions, strongly condemning the targeting of civilians. It emphasized that further violence would exacerbate instability and impede efforts to restore peace, calling on the international community to intensify humanitarian efforts and support diplomatic pathways aimed at restoring Syria’s unity and regional stability.