The Western Syria Alliance (WSA) strongly condemns the reported terrorist attack targeting Christians in the Jordanian city of Al-Karak, which, according to circulating reports, left at least six people dead and 28 others injured. WSA extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, wishes the injured a swift recovery, and expresses its full solidarity with the people of Jordan.

WSA emphasizes that extremist jihadist organizations pose a direct threat to Christians and other religious communities across the Middle East. These organizations have a long history of massacres, violence, and religious persecution, particularly in Syria and Iraq, as well as terrorist attacks in Jordan.

These developments come amid growing concerns over the expansion of jihadist extremism following Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) rise to power in Damascus. WSA has repeatedly warned of the dangers of spreading extremist Islamist ideology and integrating jihadist factions into Syria’s security and military institutions without adequate vetting and accountability. Such developments risk turning Syria into a base for transnational terrorism and a threat to regional and global security.

In this context, WSA notes the Jordanian authorities’ decision to ban the Muslim Brotherhood and stresses the urgent need for effective measures against extremist organizations and militias to protect civilians and prevent the spread of violence and terrorism.

Accordingly, the Western Syria Alliance calls for the following:

1. Dismantling Jihadist Militias: Dismantle armed jihadist organizations and militias in Jordan and withdraw them from areas inhabited by religious and ethnic minorities in Syria, particularly Alawite, Christian, and Druze communities.
2. International Protection: Establish credible, independent international monitoring mechanisms and provide effective protection for civilians and communities threatened by persecution, forced displacement, and killings.
3. Accountability and Justice: Conduct independent international investigations into massacres and grave human rights violations committed against minorities in Syria and hold all those responsible accountable.
4. International Counterterrorism Cooperation: Coordinate regional and international efforts to prevent Syrian territory from being used for the recruitment, financing, and planning of cross-border terrorist operations.

The Western Syria Alliance reaffirms that the indigenous communities of Western Syria, particularly Alawites and Christians, are integral to the security and stability of the Middle East. Eliminating the threat posed by armed jihadist organizations and protecting these communities are essential to regional and global security and constitute an urgent humanitarian obligation that cannot be delayed.