Syrian security forces have allegedly killed hundreds of civilians belonging to the Alawite Muslim minority in ongoing violence along the country’s coastal regions, a war monitoring group reported on Sunday.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) stated that around 745 civilians were killed in 30 massacres targeting Alawites on Friday and Saturday. The monitoring group described the latest wave of violence as one of the deadliest in recent years.
The conflict has forced hundreds to flee their homes in Latakia and Tartous provinces—strongholds of former president Bashar al-Assad, himself an Alawite. The SOHR reported that in total, more than 1,000 people have been killed in two days, marking the worst violence in Syria since rebels ousted the Assad regime in December.
This figure includes dozens of government troops and pro-Assad fighters, who have been engaged in fierce clashes with Islamist-led security forces since Thursday. The SOHR reported that 125 security personnel and 148 pro-Assad gunmen have died in the fighting.
A Syrian defence ministry spokesperson, speaking to the state-run SANA news agency, claimed that the government had re-established control after what he termed “treacherous attacks” on security forces.
Alawite community in 'state of horror'
An activist in Latakia told the BBC on Friday that the Alawite Muslim community was in a "state of horror", with many families seeking safety from the escalating violence.
Large crowds reportedly sought refuge at the Russian military base in Hmeimim, Latakia, with videos shared by Reuters showing dozens of people gathered outside, chanting, "People want Russian protection."
Meanwhile, dozens of families have crossed into Lebanon, local media reported, as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.
UN expresses concern
The United Nations' special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed deep concern over what he called “very troubling reports of civilian casualties” in Syria’s coastal regions. He urged all sides to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further destabilise the country.
He reiterated the need for a “credible and inclusive political transition” to prevent further bloodshed.
Alawites, a sect of Shia Islam, form around 10% of Syria’s population, while the majority of Syrians are Sunni Muslims. The group has historically been closely linked to the ruling elite, with Assad's family dominating Syrian politics for decades.
The latest violence has raised concerns of a wider sectarian conflict, with fears that attacks on the Alawite minority could trigger reprisals and further instability in the war-ravaged nation.
