Alawite Community in Syria Faces Violent Retribution Amid Ongoing Clashes

A war monitoring group alleges that Syrian security forces have executed 162 Alawites in Latakia, prompting a response from the interim government and raising concerns about the community's safety and escalating violence in the region.

Syrian security forces have been accused of carrying out mass executions of individuals belonging to the Alawite sect in the coastal province of Latakia, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The British-based organization claims that 162 civilians were killed in what it describes as "field executions" within a region that has historically supported the ousted president Bashar al-Assad, who himself belongs to the Alawite minority.

In response to the reports, an official from Syria’s interior ministry acknowledged "individual violations" taking place along the coast and promised that measures would be taken to address these incidents. However, BBC News has not been able to verify the authenticity of the claims regarding the involvement of Syria's newly established ruling forces.

The horrifying toll reportedly includes 13 women and five children, raising alarm about the safety of vulnerable groups within the Alawite community in the area. Following recent clashes between government forces and Assad loyalists, which resulted in over 70 fatalities, the new interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced military operations targeting remnants of the former regime in Qardaha, Assad's hometown. A curfew has since been instituted in Homs, Latakia, and Tartous as unrest escalates.

A Syrian activist conveyed the fear gripping the Alawite community to BBC Newshour, stating the population is "in a state of shock," paralyzed by uncertainty and without a protective government presence. The activist, who wished to remain anonymous to avoid retribution, emphasized that residents are unsure of how to navigate the current climate of violence.

Geir Pedersen, the United Nations special envoy for Syria, expressed profound concern regarding the recent violence and urged all parties involved to act with restraint to prevent further escalation, protect communities, and facilitate a credible political transition.

This situation occurs within an already volatile setting as the Alawite sect, comprising approximately 10% of Syria's population predominantly made up of Sunni Muslims, feels increasingly threatened. Reports of sectarian violence have surfaced, with accounts from Alawite individuals reflecting pervasive fear of being scapegoated for the current turmoil. Meanwhile, international powers, including Turkey and Russia, have warned of the potential for wider regional instability should the bloodshed continue, while Germany has called for an end to the violence to avoid further chaos in the region.