Iran: ‘No justification’ for attacks on minorities in Syria
Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned recent mass killings of civilians in Syria, saying that there was “no justification” for attacks on minorities.
“There is no justification for the attacks on parts of the Alawite, Christian, Druze and other minorities, which have truly hurt the emotions and conscience of both the countries of the region and the international community,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei during a weekly press conference.
“In recent days, unfortunate incidents have taken place in certain areas of Syria. We are deeply concerned about reports of insecurity and violence,” Baqaei said.
“We strongly condemn such actions, and any mass killing or action against civilians is unacceptable and unjustifiable,” he added.
The remarks came after heavy crackdown by the country’s new rulers’ security forces on the Alawite minority.
Fighting erupted on Thursday between Syria’s new security forces and loyalists of the former government of toppled president Bashar al-Assad.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday that 973 civilians have been killed in the violence in the coastal heartland of the country’s Alawite minority.
The fighting has also killed hundreds of members of the security forces and pro-Assad fighters, according to the Observatory, which has reported the overall death toll at more than 1,300.
Clashes broke out in the country’s northwestern coastal region, which is predominantly inhabited by the Alawite minority sect.
“The fact that certain Alawite communities have been targeted has wounded consciences [around the world],” Baqaei stressed.
He called the unwelcome development “a real test” for the new Syrian rulers to fulfill their responsibilities “in safeguarding the lives of Syrians.”
Baqaei said that such incidents only complicate Syria’s political situation further.