Tulsi Gabbard’s warnings about extremist control in Syria following Assad’s fall have proven tragically accurate as hundreds of civilians, particularly Alawites and Christians, face deadly violence at the hands of al-Qaeda-linked forces.
Quick Takes
- Nearly 1,000 civilians have been killed in Syria in the deadliest violence since Assad’s fall in December, with the Alawite and Christian minorities being specifically targeted
- Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, had previously warned the Senate about terrorist takeover if Assad’s regime collapsed
- Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a U.S.-designated terrorist group with al-Qaeda links, has gained control in Syria
- The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports at least 830 civilian deaths, calling it “the largest collective act of revenge”
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio has blamed “radical Islamic terrorists” for the violence
Gabbard’s Prophetic Warning
Syria has descended into unprecedented bloodshed as Tulsi Gabbard’s warnings about the consequences of regime change have materialized with devastating accuracy. Over the past 96 hours, more than 1,300 people have perished in what observers are calling the deadliest outbreak of violence since the Assad regime fell in December. The carnage has been particularly severe along Syria’s northwestern coast in the regions of Tartus and Latakia, areas historically populated by the Alawite minority who had been protected under Assad’s rule. Now, these communities face systematic targeting by extremist forces.
Gabbard, now serving as Director of National Intelligence, had previously cautioned against U.S. policies that could facilitate Assad’s removal without planning for the aftermath. Her concerns specifically highlighted the threat of al-Qaeda-affiliated groups filling the power vacuum. “I have no love for Assad or any dictator. I just hate al-Qaeda. I hate that our leaders cozy up to Islamist extremists, calling them ‘rebels’, as Jake Sullivan said to Hillary Clinton, ‘al Qaeda is on our side in Syria,'” stated Gabbard, pinpointing a dangerous foreign policy approach that has now yielded catastrophic humanitarian consequences.
Radical Islamic extremists are rounding up and murdering Christians in Syria
Where are all the self proclaimed human rights organizations??? pic.twitter.com/eUAqPFQspQ
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 9, 2025
Targeted Violence Against Religious Minorities
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has documented at least 830 civilian deaths in what they describe as “the largest collective act of revenge.” Reports indicate that women and children have been executed by firing squad, with Alawite communities bearing the brunt of the violence. According to verified accounts, armed Sunni gunmen initiated revenge killings specifically targeting Alawites, who are now pleading for international intervention as they face existential threats from the extremist forces now controlling large portions of the country.
Christian communities have also come under severe attack, with multiple reports confirming that families have been executed by Islamist forces. The violence underscores the vulnerability of religious minorities who had received protection under the Assad regime. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attacks, attributing them to “radical Islamic terrorists” and calling for accountability, though critics note that current U.S. policy may have inadvertently enabled these extremist groups to gain territorial control and implement their brutal agenda against non-Sunni populations.
Al-Qaeda Affiliate Consolidates Power
At the center of the current crisis is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization with direct links to al-Qaeda. Led by Abu Mohammed al-Julani, HTS has emerged as the dominant force following Assad’s overthrow. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz offered a stark assessment of the situation, stating that al-Julani “switched his robe for a suit and presented a moderate face. Now he’s taken off the mask and exposed his true face: A jihadist terrorist of the al-Qaeda school who is committing horrifying acts against a civilian population.”
Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has attempted to restore order, deploying forces to assert control over contested areas. However, his government faces significant challenges in containing the violence as HTS and other extremist factions exploit sectarian divisions. The situation remains highly volatile, with verified videos showing bodies in the streets of Latakia and ongoing military operations amid explosions and gunfire, highlighting the breakdown of security and the continued threat posed to vulnerable civilians caught in the crossfire.
