Syrian security forces have been accused of killing hundreds of civilians from the Alawite minority in escalating violence along the country’s coastal regions, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The latest clashes mark one of the deadliest outbreaks of violence since the Assad regime was overthrown in December.
The SOHR reported that approximately 745 civilians had been killed in around 30 “massacres” targeting Alawites on Friday and Saturday. The overall death toll in the past two days has exceeded 1,000, including civilians, government troops, and pro-Assad fighters. The worst-hit areas are in the Latakia and Tartous provinces, historically strongholds of the Alawite community and former President Bashar al-Assad, who also belongs to the sect.
The violence has triggered mass displacement, with hundreds of residents fleeing their homes amid fears of further attacks. Reports suggest that dozens of families have sought refuge in neighboring Lebanon, while protests have erupted outside a Russian military base in Syria, with demonstrators calling for protection from Moscow.
The Syrian Defence Ministry issued a statement through the state-run SANA news agency, claiming that the government had regained control after what it described as “treacherous attacks” against its security personnel. According to the SOHR, the recent fighting has resulted in the deaths of 125 government security officers and 148 pro-Assad fighters.
Activists on the ground have described the Alawite community as being in “a state of horror” due to the ongoing violence. Video footage shared by Reuters captured protests outside the Russian base, with demonstrators chanting for intervention.
The United Nations’ special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed deep concern over the situation, calling on all parties to exercise restraint. He warned that the current wave of violence could destabilize the country further and undermine efforts toward a credible and inclusive political transition.
The Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shia Islam, constitutes about 10% of Syria’s population, which is predominantly Sunni Muslim. The sect has historically been closely associated with Assad’s rule, making it a target in the country’s ongoing conflict. As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring developments, fearing broader regional repercussions.
