Syria's White Helmets respond to violence, prioritizing victims

Syria's civil defense group, known as the White Helmets, is stepping in to help after violent attacks in the country's coastal region. Their mission is clear: to serve everyone equally, regardless of their background. "To save one life is to save all of humanity," said Mr. Kayal from the organization. Recently, the White Helmets worked in Tartous following a massacre in the village of Barmada. They found and retrieved ten bodies of government fighters who had been dumped in a valley. These fighters had their hands and legs tied, indicating they were captured and executed by opposing forces. A state security officer at the scene alleged that Assad loyalists were responsible for the deaths of many of his colleagues, a claim that remains unverified. The situation in Syria is complex. Many who fought to free the country from the Assad regime now face challenges uniting various groups. The anti-Assad fighters are often victims of past violence, leading to deep psychological scars. Footage online also suggests that soldiers killed civilians, including children, during recent events in coastal areas. One family shared their grief as a man, Maen, described how his son and aunt were killed by security forces. He buried them in his yard to keep them close. "What did he do?" Maen's wife cried, referring to their son, who was just 20 and had harmed no one. In response to the ongoing violence, Al-Sharaa, Syria's interim president, has created an independent committee to investigate the killings. He has stated that those responsible will be held accountable. However, many believe that the new government must prove it can protect all citizens, especially the Alawites, to avoid further conflict in Syria.