Rubio Warns of Impending Civil War in Syria Amid Sectarian Violence

In a recent Senate hearing, Marco Rubio cautioned that Syria could face a full-scale civil war in a matter of weeks due to escalating sectarian violence. His remarks follow reports of significant clashes between government forces and diverse religious groups, prompting discussions on lifting sanctions to facilitate international aid.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has alerted that Syria is on the brink of a potential full-scale civil war, potentially within weeks, urging for international support for the country's transitional authorities. During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Rubio highlighted the urgent situation following violent sectarian clashes that reportedly resulted in over 100 fatalities earlier in May between pro-government forces and Druze gunmen.

Rubio defended President Donald Trump's recent decision to lift sanctions on Syria, which had previously been imposed in response to grave human rights violations amid the 13-year-long civil war that has led to over 600,000 deaths and displaced 12 million individuals. Trump justified the sanctions' lift, expressing that other nations hesitated to assist the transitional government led by former al-Qaeda commander Ahmed al-Sharaa due to fears of the sanctions.

In light of two deadly bouts of sectarian violence in recent months, including an incident in March where 900 civilians were killed, concerns have been raised among minority communities regarding Sharaa's administration, which is largely dominated by his Sunni Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate still listed as a terrorist organization by several international entities.

Despite his controversial past, Trump has openly praised Sharaa, referring to him as a "young, attractive guy" with a strong potential to unite the war-torn country. Sharaa welcomed the sanction lift as a courageous move that could alleviate suffering and pave the way toward regional stability.

Rubio expressed skepticism but noted that failing to engage with the transitional authority would guarantee a deteriorating situation. He underscored the need for assistance to minority communities currently contending with a legacy of division instigated by the Assad regime. Although he did not provide specific details, he indicated that the transitional government could soon face imminent collapse if conditions do not improve.

As Rubio stated these warnings, European Union foreign ministers also commenced discussions on the liberation of economic sanctions on Syria, emphasizing a commitment to help rebuild a peaceful and inclusive Syria. The Syrain foreign ministry welcomed this potential shift as a new beginning for relations with Europe, aiming for mutual prosperity and respect.