News from March 10, 2025 at 2 PM

Syrian leader Ahmed Sharaa has called for peace following days of clashes in which Syrian security forces are alleged to have killed hundreds of civilians from the Alawite religious minority. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that about 745 civilians were killed in 30 'massacres' targeting Alawites in coastal regions on Friday and Saturday. The BBC has not independently verified the death toll, believed to be the worst since the fall of the Assad regime. Speaking from a mosque in Damascus on Sunday, President Sharaa stated that current events are within expected challenges. Over the past four days, the total death toll has exceeded 1,000, including about 125 fighters linked to the new Islamist-led government and 148 pro-Assad fighters. The violence was sparked by an ambush on government forces, escalating into clashes between Assad loyalists and government troops. Hundreds of civilians have fled their homes in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, former strongholds of deposed President Bashar al-Assad, who is also an Alawite. The UN's special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed deep alarm over civilian casualties and called on all parties to refrain from actions that could destabilize the country.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced that he will not participate in a meeting with US officials scheduled for March 11 in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine will be represented by a team including Chief of Staff Andrey Yermak, Deputy Chief of Staff Pavel Palisa, Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Zelensky plans to visit Saudi Arabia next week and hold talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. According to US Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff, the aim of the meeting is to discuss issues related to the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz previously stated that the US team will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio and himself.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected US President Donald Trump's proposal for talks on Iran's nuclear program, stating that Washington does not genuinely care about resolving issues but aims to impose its own interests. In a meeting with Iranian officials, Khamenei criticized the West's double standards as a 'disgrace to civilization.' Trump announced his proposal via social media, but Iran's mission to the UN said it did not receive the message. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran will not engage in talks with Washington as long as the Trump administration maintains its policy of maximum pressure against Iran.

On the evening of March 7, a shooting incident occurred at a bar in Toronto, Canada, injuring 12 people, with the gunmen still at large. Police stated that three men indiscriminately opened fire on the crowd inside the bar, with six victims suffering gunshot wounds but not in life-threatening condition. The incident took place at a bar near a large shopping center in Scarborough. Police received multiple calls before 10:40 PM. Surveillance footage showed three suspects wearing masks entering the bar and firing randomly before fleeing in a vehicle. Toronto Mayor John Tory and Ontario Premier Doug Ford strongly condemned the incident.

Pope Francis, who has been battling pneumonia and bronchitis for over three weeks, has shown a good response to treatment, according to the Vatican. His clinical condition has remained stable in recent days, indicating a slight improvement. The 88-year-old pontiff prayed in the chapel of the papal suite at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Saturday morning, where he is being treated. Since being admitted on February 14 due to breathing difficulties, he has not been seen in public, marking his longest absence since assuming the papacy 12 years ago. Initially treated for bronchitis, he was later diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. His vulnerability to pneumonia stems from a history of pleurisy and partial lung removal as a young man. Doctors anticipate a lengthy recovery due to his age and medical history.