Syria’s interim president, Ahmed Sharaa, has called for national unity following reports of escalating violence, with Syrian security forces allegedly killing hundreds of civilians from the Alawite religious minority.
Massacres Reported in Coastal Provinces
According to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), approximately 745 civilians were killed in a series of 30 “massacres” targeting Alawites on Friday and Saturday. These incidents mark the deadliest wave of violence in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December.
The BBC has not independently verified these claims.
President Sharaa, addressing the nation from a mosque in Damascus, emphasized the need for peace, stating, “We must preserve national unity and civil peace as much as possible and, God willing, we will be able to live together in this country.” He acknowledged the ongoing instability as part of the “expected challenges” following Assad’s downfall.
Violence Forces Mass Displacement
Hundreds of families have fled their homes in Latakia and Tartus—regions that were strongholds of the former president, Assad, who belonged to the Alawite sect. SOHR reports indicate that over 1,000 people have died in the past two days, including dozens of government troops and pro-Assad fighters engaged in violent clashes.
Among the casualties are at least 125 Islamist-led government security forces and 148 pro-Assad loyalists, as per SOHR data. The Alawite community, which constitutes around 10% of Syria’s predominantly Sunni Muslim population, is reportedly in a state of fear.
Government Response and International Concern
A spokesperson from Syria’s defense ministry told the state-run SANA news agency that government forces have regained control following what they described as “treacherous attacks” against security personnel.
Amid the turmoil, large crowds have sought refuge at a Russian military base in Hmeimim, Latakia. Reuters footage showed displaced civilians chanting, “People want Russian protection,” outside the base, while dozens of families have crossed into Lebanon for safety.
UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed deep concern over the situation, stating he was “deeply alarmed” by “very troubling reports of civilian casualties” in Syria’s coastal regions. He urged all factions to avoid further actions that could “destabilize” the nation and hinder a “credible and inclusive political transition.”
Key Developments in Syria’s Crisis:
- Syrian security forces accused of killing hundreds of Alawite civilians.
- SOHR reports over 1,000 deaths in two days—the deadliest violence since Assad’s fall.
- Mass displacement as civilians flee to Russian bases and Lebanon.
- UN calls for restraint, warning against further destabilization.
As tensions escalate, the international community closely monitors the unfolding crisis in Syria, where the struggle for stability remains a significant challenge.
