During a Senate hearing, Rubio emphasized the urgency for international support for Syria's transitional authorities, warning of a potential full-scale civil war. Recent sectarian violence has raised alarms about the stability of the nation, with over 100 casualties reported in recent clashes.
Rubio Warns of Imminent Collapse in Syria Amid Escalating Violence
Rubio Warns of Imminent Collapse in Syria Amid Escalating Violence
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicates Syria may be weeks away from civil war as violence escalates between pro-government forces and minority groups.
With increasing violence, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has raised alarms about Syria’s precarious situation, stating the country could be weeks away from a "full-scale civil war of epic proportions." His remarks came during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, where he defended President Trump's controversial decision to lift sanctions on the war-torn nation prior to a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander now leading efforts to stabilize the region.
Earlier this month, sectarian clashes resulted in more than 100 deaths attributed to conflicts between Syrian pro-government forces and Druze gunmen in the suburbs of Damascus and Suweida. Rubio explained that the sanctions were lifted to facilitate international aid that was being held back due to fears of repercussions from the sanctions regime. He warned that the current transitional government, led by Sharaa's Sunni Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is at risk of collapsing, amidst a backdrop of deep-seated distrust among Syria's various minority groups following years of manipulation by the Assad regime.
While the U.S. has slowly backed off support for Assad due to his government's brutal crackdown throughout the civil war, many remain skeptical about the new authorities. Despite Sharaa's past ties to terrorism, Trump characterized him as capable of restoring stability in Syria, enhancing the latter's hopes for normalization. Rubio underscored that the success of Sharaa's administration lies in their ability to unite the fragmented nation, as historical divides threaten any potential progress.
As tensions mount, the European Union has also moved towards lifting its sanctions on Syria, affirming its commitment to assist in rebuilding efforts for a peaceful, inclusive future. With various international entities expressing their willingness to support Syria, the path ahead remains fraught with challenges, particularly for vulnerable minority communities caught in the fray.
Earlier this month, sectarian clashes resulted in more than 100 deaths attributed to conflicts between Syrian pro-government forces and Druze gunmen in the suburbs of Damascus and Suweida. Rubio explained that the sanctions were lifted to facilitate international aid that was being held back due to fears of repercussions from the sanctions regime. He warned that the current transitional government, led by Sharaa's Sunni Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is at risk of collapsing, amidst a backdrop of deep-seated distrust among Syria's various minority groups following years of manipulation by the Assad regime.
While the U.S. has slowly backed off support for Assad due to his government's brutal crackdown throughout the civil war, many remain skeptical about the new authorities. Despite Sharaa's past ties to terrorism, Trump characterized him as capable of restoring stability in Syria, enhancing the latter's hopes for normalization. Rubio underscored that the success of Sharaa's administration lies in their ability to unite the fragmented nation, as historical divides threaten any potential progress.
As tensions mount, the European Union has also moved towards lifting its sanctions on Syria, affirming its commitment to assist in rebuilding efforts for a peaceful, inclusive future. With various international entities expressing their willingness to support Syria, the path ahead remains fraught with challenges, particularly for vulnerable minority communities caught in the fray.
