"White Helmets Continue Humanitarian Mission Amid Sectarian Violence in Syria"

"Following a surge of sectarian violence in Syria, the White Helmets take frontline action to rescue casualties and maintain their humanitarian promise to serve all communities, irrespective of political or religious affiliations."

 

As violence spirals in Syria, particularly in regions traditionally associated with the Alawite sect, the volunteer rescue group known as the White Helmets has been tirelessly responding to emergency calls from affected communities. Recent atrocities, including numerous civilian deaths reportedly carried out in retaliation for attacks on security forces, have seen the group mobilizing extensively, with operations reaching around 30 calls per day during peak violence.

The White Helmets, officially recognized as the Syrian Civil Defence, have gained a reputation for their neutral humanitarian efforts during the country’s civil war. Following the recent fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, the organization has expanded its operations, receiving a welcome from opposition supporters in Damascus.

Tragically, the latest violence resulted in the murder of predominantly Alawites, members of Assad's minority sect, during revenge attacks, escalating tensions within the coastal region of Latakia. Abdulkafi Kayal, head of operations for the White Helmets in that area, emphasized the group's commitment to serving all individuals in distress, stating, "When we go to rescue someone in need, we don't ask them about their religion or political opinion."

Historical tensions have marred the relationship between the White Helmets and the previous regime, which painted them as a terrorist organization assisting armed groups. However, the White Helmets maintain they are an impartial body dedicated to helping all Syrians, illustrating their broad humanitarian approach: “We are Syrians, and we can’t separate our care… It is our homeland.”

The recent violence stands as one of the most severe since the change in governance. Following a deadly ambush by Assad supporters, fighting erupted, leading to systematic revenge killings of Alawites attributed to various factions within the security forces. Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights speak of over 1,400 civilian fatalities across several provinces, including Latakia and Homs.

The White Helmets have insisted on their ongoing commitment, with their teams actively involved in the recovery of lives lost amidst chaos. Rescuers recently discovered ten bodies of soldiers in a hillside area, highlighting the grim aftermath of the conflict.

Despite efforts for unity under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s leadership, significant concerns loom regarding the treatment of Alawites and how effectively the new government can represent all citizens. The president has vowed accountability for the conduct of those responsible for recent killings and has instructed an independent investigation.

For the future of Syria, building trust and integrating various sects remains crucial; otherwise, the specter of another civil war could rise. Witness accounts have revealed harrowing stories of loss and suffering, as families like Maen's mourn the loss of loved ones caught in the violent turmoil, questioning the prospects of peace in a war-torn land still reeling from sectarian strife.