Australia Condemns Syria Killings, Urges Non-Sectarian Transition

After thousands killed in Syria clashes, Australia calls for minority protection and end to bloodshed.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (R) speaks as he sits next to Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong during a meeting with Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape in Parliament House in Canberra on December 7, 2023. Australia signed a security deal with Papua New Guinea on December 7, bolstering ties to a key Pacific neighbour that has been courted persistently by China. (Photo by HILARY WARDHAUGH / AFP) Photo by HILARY WARDHAUGH/AFP via Getty Images

Following a week of intense clashes in Syria that have left over a thousand dead, the Australian government has strongly condemned the ongoing violence in the country’s coastal region.

“We are deeply concerned by U.N. reports that many civilians from the Alawite community were summarily executed and understand the community’s distress. Our thoughts are with them at this time,” said a joint statement issued by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.