Jolani attends EU summit while massacres continue in Syria

Mass killings of Alawites and Christians in Syria's Latakia and Tartous regions continue, despite denials from the Syrian government. Eyewitnesses report gunmen targeting civilians, forcing many to flee to northern Lebanon and Russia's Kmeimim Air Base. Syria's self-declared President Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Jolani, is set to address a European Commission donor conference in Brussels on March 17. This marks the first formal representation of Syria at the annual event, despite ongoing violence by his forces. The European Union has begun lifting some sanctions on Syria following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Meanwhile, Russia remains the primary protector of Alawites, Christians, and Druze, as thousands seek refuge at its coastal base.