Syrian Security Forces Allegedly Responsible for Mass Civilian Deaths in Coastal Regions

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claims that around 745 Alawite civilians were killed over two days, marking the deadliest violence since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. With increasing casualties—including government troops—the situation has led to mass displacements and calls for intervention.

 

Syrian security forces are under serious allegations of committing mass killings against civilians, primarily from the Alawite minority group, amidst a surge of violence in Syria’s coastal regions, according to reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The London-based monitoring organization claims that approximately 745 civilians lost their lives in around 30 separate events termed as "massacres" during Friday and Saturday.

These allegations remain unverified by independent news organizations. As the violence escalates, hundreds of residents have reportedly fled their homes in Latakia, a region considered a bastion of former President Bashar al-Assad, who is himself an Alawite. Overall, the SOHR has reported a grim total of more than 1,000 individuals killed over the last two days, marking this period as the most violent since opposition forces ousted Assad from power in December.

The reported casualties include at least 125 members of Islamist-led government security forces and 148 pro-Assad fighters, who were engaged in fierce clashes across the Latakia and Tartous provinces starting Thursday. A spokesperson from the Syrian defense ministry communicated to state news agency Sana that the government has successfully regained control following what they described as “treacherous attacks” on their personnel.

Amidst these developments, activists have reported that the Alawite community is gripped by “a state of horror,” as many flee affected areas. Video evidence has surfaced that shows large groups of people seeking asylum at a Russian military base in Hmeimim, Latakia, chanting demands for protection from Russian forces. Reports have also emerged of families escaping into neighboring Lebanon to seek refuge.

Geir Pedersen, the UN's special envoy for Syria, raised alarms regarding the severe civilian toll, labeling the reports coming out of the coastal areas as “very troubling.” He urged all factions involved in the conflict to avoid actions that could exacerbate the instability of Syria and hinder efforts toward a viable political transition. The Alawite community, which represents about 10% of Syria’s predominantly Sunni Muslim population, finds itself caught in a cycle of violence and uncertainty as conflicts rage on.