Syrian Security Forces Allegedly Killed Hundreds of Alawite Civilians
Syrian security forces are alleged to have killed hundreds of civilians from the Alawite minority in a surge of violence along the country’s coastal regions, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based war monitor.
The SOHR reported that around 745 civilians were killed in approximately 30 incidents described as massacres targeting Alawite communities on Friday and Saturday.
These incidents have led to mass displacement, with hundreds of residents fleeing their homes in the coastal areas, which were once strongholds of the ousted president Bashar al-Assad, an Alawite himself.
In the past two days alone, the death toll has exceeded 1,000, marking the deadliest escalation in Syria since the fall of Assad's regime in December.
This number includes dozens of government troops and fighters loyal to Assad, who have been engaged in fierce clashes in the Latakia and Tartous provinces since Thursday.
According to the SOHR, about 125 members of the Islamist-led government security forces and 148 pro-Assad fighters were killed in the ongoing conflict.
Talking to the state news agency Sana, a spokesman for Syria's defence ministry claimed that government forces had regained control after what he described as "treacherous attacks" against security personnel.
The Alawite community has been left in a state of panic, with hundreds of people reportedly seeking safety.
Large groups were seen seeking refuge at a Russian military base in Hmeimim, Latakia. Footage circulated by news agencies showed crowds chanting for Russian protection outside the base.
In addition, dozens of families have crossed into neighboring Lebanon to escape the violence, as reported by local media sources.
Geir Pedersen, the UN's special envoy for Syria, expressed grave concern over the reports of civilian casualties in the coastal regions.
He urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further destabilization of the country and safeguard prospects for a credible and inclusive political transition.
The Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shia Islam, represents about 10% of Syria's population, which is predominantly Sunni Muslim.
The recent wave of violence has raised fears of further sectarian tensions and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
