Alevi organisations worldwide have condemned the escalating violence in Syria, urging global intervention against extremist groups targeting minority communities, in a joint statement published on X. The appeal follows reports of massacres in Idlib and surrounding regions as militant forces advance.
“Syria is witnessing a humanitarian crime,” the Alevi organisations declared, demanding urgent action to halt the bloodshed. Signatories included the Confederation of European Alevi Unions (AABK) and the Alevi Federation of Australia (AFA), along with the Turkey-based Alevi Federation (ADFE), Alevi Cultural Association (AKD), Pir Sultan Abdal Cultural Association (PSAKD) and Hacı Bektaş Veli Anatolian Culture Foundation.
Tensions have soared since the Idlib ceasefire in 2020, which left jihadist groups trapped in the region. The statement accuses extremist factions, bolstered by international actors, of launching coordinated assaults on Syrian government forces and civilians, particularly targeting Alevis, Kurds, Yazidis, Druze, and Christians. The groups allege that the violence intensified after failed negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, and blame regional and international powers for arming and enabling these militias.
According to the statement, Turkey’s involvement is evident. It alleges that Turkish-backed groups, such as rebel Syrian National Army (SNA) and factions affiliated with Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have participated in attacks, with Turkish flags reportedly displayed on military convoys. “Social media is awash with horrifying footage of atrocities against Alevis and Kurds,” the federations said, warning of threats to extend the violence into Turkey’s Samandağ region.
The groups emphasised the role of broader geopolitical ambitions, describing the violence as part of an imperialist agenda tied to the “Greater Middle East Project”. They urged the Turkish government to reassess its policies, noting the shared ties between Turkish citizens and those living across the Syrian border.
“War means destruction, poverty, and death,” the statement read. “It is a crime against humanity.” The federations called on political parties, labour organisations, and human rights advocates to take a stand. “How much longer will we remain silent as humanity perishes before our eyes?” they asked, appealing for solidarity against war, occupation, and ethnic cleansing.
The statement concluded with a plea for divine intervention and resilience. “May Bozatlı Hızır [an Alevi-Bektashi saint] come to the aid of all in distress. There is a massacre in Syria—do not stay silent.”
