Tensions have flared in northwestern Syria after militants affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) reportedly raided and destroyed several Shia religious sites during the commemoration of the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussain, the revered third Imam in Shia Islam.
According to local sources, the attacks targeted tents and Hussainiyas—mourning halls traditionally erected during Muharram to honor the sacrifices of Imam Hussain and his followers in the Battle of Karbala. These makeshift sanctuaries were torn down or set ablaze in areas under HTS control, sparking outrage among the Shia community and religious leaders.
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Eyewitnesses describe armed men storming into neighborhoods where Shia residents had gathered to mark the solemn occasion. The destruction of these sacred spaces comes at a time when millions of Shia Muslims around the world are engaged in peaceful mourning rituals, making the incident particularly inflammatory.
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HTS, a former al-Qaeda affiliate and the dominant force in parts of Idlib province, has a history of sectarian hostility, though such targeted actions during religious observances are especially provocative. The group has not officially commented on the raids.
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