Syria’s coastal region has erupted in devastating sectarian violence, with over 1,000 people dead in what has become one of the bloodiest episodes since the country’s 14-year conflict began. The violence, which began as clashes between security forces and supporters of former President Bashar Assad, has spiraled into widespread revenge killings targeting the Alawite minority community.
Wave of violence claims over 1,000 lives
According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the death toll includes 745 civilians, 125 government security force members, and 148 militants affiliated with Assad. The violence began Thursday when government forces attempted to arrest a wanted individual near Jableh, leading to an ambush by Assad loyalists.
Sectarian attacks target Alawite community
The situation deteriorated Friday when Sunni Muslim gunmen loyal to the new government began targeting members of Assad’s Alawite sect. Residents described horrific scenes of targeted killings, with gunmen checking identification cards to determine religious affiliations before attacking. Many Alawite homes were looted and burned, forcing thousands to flee to nearby mountains.
One resident, Ali Sheha, 57, described the horror: “It was very very bad. Bodies were on the streets.” Sheha fled with his family after witnessing the killing of at least 20 neighbors in his predominantly Alawite neighborhood of Baniyas. He reported gunmen “firing randomly at homes and residents” from less than 100 meters away from his apartment building.
Government response and humanitarian crisis
Syria’s state news agency reports that government forces have regained control of many areas from Assad loyalists. Authorities have closed roads to the coastal region to “prevent violations and gradually restore stability.” The violence has led to infrastructure disruptions, with electricity and drinking water cut off in large areas around Latakia.
Lebanese legislator Haidar Nasser reported that many Alawites are seeking refuge at the Russian air base in Hmeimim, Syria, while others are fleeing to Lebanon. The situation has particularly impacted the Alawite community, who held prominent positions under Assad’s rule and are now facing discrimination and targeted attacks.
In the central village of Tuwaym, 31 victims of revenge attacks, including nine children and four women, were buried in a mass grave on Saturday morning. The Syrian Observatory’s chief Rami Abdurrahman called this “one of the biggest massacres during the Syrian conflict,” though revenge killings reportedly stopped early Saturday.
