Syria’s river city: provincial capital, fault line in a star-crossed state
Recent clashes in Syria highlight ongoing sectarian tensions. Sunni attackers targeted Christian and Alawite communities in Suqaylabiyah, while violence also erupted in Qalaat Madiq. The incidents reflect unresolved grievances and security weaknesses, with communities demanding accountability and protection. The violence underscores Syria's fragile sectarian balance, more than a year after regime change.
Syria has begun public trials of former regime officials accused of war crimes, starting with Atif Najib, former head of political security in Daraa. Amjad Youssef, linked to a 2013 massacre in Tadamon, was arrested in Hama after a security operation. Trials will also target Wassim al-Assad and pilots involved in bombing campaigns. These actions follow the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 and aim to deliver transitional justice.