Statement about the fires in the coastal area

At Kongra Star, we are deeply concerned about the escalating violations targeting large segments of the Syrian people. Most notably, the recent systematic and deliberate fires on the Syrian coast threaten thousands of lives and expose many to the risk of displacement and eviction. These recurring fires, which particularly target areas inhabited by Alawite families, cannot be seen detached from broader policies of genocide and forced displacement. These policies aim to dismantle the social and communal structure, pushing sects and communities toward further division and internal conflict, serving agendas that neither represent the aspirations of the Syrian people nor reflect the vision of the pluralistic, democratic nation for which we are fighting.

At Kongra Star, we believe any attempt to target a specific social group—regardless of justification—constitutes a collective crime that threatens civil peace and sows seeds of sectarian and nationalist hatred. These crimes must be confronted with clear and transparent positions from all active political and human rights organizations in the country.

We hold the transitional government directly responsible for protecting the lives and property of citizens. We call on it to issue a clear statement regarding these incidents, to open public and impartial investigations, and to hold accountable anyone proven to be involved—whether regime remnants or uncontrolled armed groups. Covering up these violations only allows these aggressive policies to continue and perpetuates impunity.

In this context, we strongly condemn the systematic forced displacement of dozens of villages in the eastern Hama countryside, which has affected thousands of civilians, most of whom are Alawites. This displacement has been carried out through direct or indirect pressure and various means, including threats, violence, and manipulation of real estate laws, in an attempt to force people to abandon their lands and properties.

We also strongly condemn the arbitrary arrests and security violations targeting young Kurds in Damascus and other areas. These actions lack any legal basis and appear to target not individuals, but the Kurdish identity and presence as a whole, as part of unacceptable national and political intimidation.

These violations cannot be separated from unjust real estate policies that strip families of their rights and property through forced rental contracts or selectively applied discretionary laws, emptying entire areas of their original inhabitants. These practices resemble the worst forms of ethnic cleansing and completely contradict any effort to build Syria on the foundations of justice and equal citizenship.

We condemn the kidnappings and assassinations targeting activists and civilians from various Syrian communities, with no real progress in investigations or accountability. This occurs amid a complete absence of judicial accountability and a rise in unchecked hate speech. At Kongra Star, we affirm that these crimes and violations stem from a long history of denial and marginalization that has shaped Syria’s landscape for years—starting with repression of civilians, continuing with arrests, and ending with sectarian discrimination, property violations, and elimination of opponents. Continued denial, distraction, and justification will only deepen this painful reality and block the path to true justice.

Based on our political and moral responsibility as a revolutionary women’s movement committed to building a free society grounded in human values and comprehensive liberation, we affirm that protecting people’s dignity, their rights to land and property, and their security are essential for any genuine democratic transformation in Syria.

We call on the international community, the United Nations, and all humanitarian and human rights organizations to urgently intervene and provide relief and logistical support to those affected by the fires on the Syrian coast. We urge the immediate dispatch of independent investigative committees to uncover the facts about these fires and the related property and displacement violations. We also demand an end to all policies targeting Syrian society based on identity.

We raise our voices alongside all those who have lost their homes, lands, and security. We affirm that justice is indivisible, and the peace process in Syria can only succeed by halting violations, delivering justice to victims, and ensuring true accountability.

9-7-2025
Kongra Star