Shia Rights Watch (SRW) expresses profound concern over the recent developments in Aleppo, particularly the seizure of the predominantly Shia neighborhoods of Noble and Al-Zahraa by militant groups. This militant group, known for its extremist ideology and history of targeting Shia communities, poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of Shia residents in these areas.
HTS, formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda, has a documented history of hostility towards Shia Muslims. Notably, in March 2017, HTS claimed responsibility for a twin bombing in Damascus’s Old City, resulting in the deaths of 76 individuals, including 43 Iraqi pilgrims. The group justified the attack by labeling the victims as “Iranian militias,” a term often used derogatorily against Shia Muslims. Such rhetoric has perpetuated a cycle of violence and fear among Shia communities in Syria and beyond.
The recent offensive led by militants in Aleppo marks the most significant challenge to President Bashar al-Assad’s authority in years. Reports indicate that fighters, employing sophisticated weaponry such as drones, have taken control of several neighborhoods in Aleppo and have disrupted critical infrastructure, including the M5 highway. This escalation has left Shia residents fearing for their lives, as the group’s notorious track record includes violent atrocities specifically targeting Shia men, women, and children.
The situation has led to a mass exodus of Shia families from these areas. Entire neighborhoods have been abandoned as residents flee in search of safety. For many, the decision to leave is not merely a precaution but a matter of survival. Families who have lived in these regions for generations are now displaced, carrying the trauma of leaving their homes, livelihoods, and communities behind. The fear of persecution and violence is palpable, with many fearing that remaining in these areas would make them easy targets for militant’s brutal campaigns.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has expressed deep concern over the escalation of hostilities in northwest Syria since November 27, 2024. The UN rights office is verifying several deadly incidents resulting in numerous civilian casualties, including women and children. Notably, they are investigating alleged HTS strikes on students in Aleppo on November 29, which reportedly killed four people. These incidents further highlight the urgent need for international intervention.
Given anti-shia group’s history of targeting Shia communities and the current volatile situation in Aleppo, SRW urges the international community to take immediate action to protect Shia civilians in the affected areas. This includes providing safe passages for those fleeing the violence, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches displaced populations, and taking diplomatic measures to pressure militants and their supporters to halt their aggression.
It is imperative to prevent further atrocities and ensure the safety and security of all vulnerable populations in the region. SRW also calls upon human rights organizations and global leaders to amplify the voices of the displaced and persecuted, ensuring that the plight of Shia Muslims in Noble, Al-Zahraa, and Aleppo is not overlooked amid the broader Syrian conflict. Without urgent and decisive action, the lives of thousands of Shia civilians remain in jeopardy.
