Syria Investigates Civilian Killings; Philippines Rejects China's Interference

Syria's interim President Ahmad al Sharaa ordered an independent investigation on Sunday, March 9, 2025, into the killings of civilians in the west of the country. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, nearly 1,000 civilians, primarily from the Alawite minority, were killed in the violence. The violence began after an attack on security forces in Jableh, Latakia. On Monday, March 10, the Philippines' foreign ministry stated that China should recognize the Philippines as an independent and sovereign state. The ministry added that the core issue is China's disregard for international law and its actions affecting Filipino communities.