Advocates for religious freedom are calling on the U.S. government to intervene in Syria, where brutal attacks by radical jihadist groups and militias have left religious minorities increasingly vulnerable. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, the Alawite, Christian, and Druze communities have faced systematic violence. Dr. Morhaf Ibrahim, president of the Alawites Association of the United States (AAUS), described the violence as a “deliberate campaign of terror” during a press conference on Capitol Hill.
Rise of Extremism Following Assad’s Fall
After Assad’s ousting by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham—an alliance including former Islamic State and Al Qaeda fighters—the power vacuum has been filled with sectarian conflict. Ibrahim warned that the new leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa has done little to protect vulnerable populations. In March, nearly 1,500 Alawites were slaughtered along the Mediterranean coast by Sunni fighters retaliating for support of Assad, according to Reuters.
Religious Minorities Facing Atrocities
Ibrahim also condemned the abduction and enslavement of women and girls from minority communities. These acts include forced marriages and sex trafficking by extremist factions. A deadly June 22 bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus highlighted the growing threat, killing over two dozen worshippers during a Sunday prayer service.
Advocates Demand U.S. Leadership and Policy Change
Ibrahim urged the Trump administration and Congress to support an inclusive Syrian government and demand protections for minorities through internationally monitored elections. He emphasized that U.S. global leadership must involve defending human rights and countering sectarian violence.
Cultural and Religious Heritage at Risk
Richard Ghazal, executive director of In Defense of Christians, warned that Syria is on the brink of losing its ancient Christian heritage. Once home to 2 million Christians, fewer than 300,000 remain. Ghazal described the recent church bombing not just as terrorism, but as part of an effort to erase a 2,000-year-old spiritual and cultural legacy. He called for U.S. policy to hinge on protections for religious freedom and constitutional safeguards in any future Syrian governance.
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Syrian Christians Under Threat: Advocacy Warns of ‘Accelerated Cultural Erasure’ in Campaign of Terror
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