Amidst a surge of violence, Syrian security forces are accused of killing hundreds of Alawite civilians, with a monitoring group reporting over 1,000 deaths in two days. The ongoing unrest draws international alarm as displaced individuals seek refuge.
Syrian Violence Escalates: Hundreds of Alawites Reportedly Killed
Syrian Violence Escalates: Hundreds of Alawites Reportedly Killed
Alarming reports emerge of mass civilian casualties as conflict intensifies along Syria's coast, with security forces accused of targeting the Alawite community.
Article Text: Syrian security forces are being accused of committing unprecedented violence against civilians, specifically targeting the Alawite minority group, resulting in the deaths of hundreds along the nation's coastal regions. According to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), approximately 745 Alawite civilians were killed in roughly 30 separate attacks over the weekend. The veracity of these claims remains unverified by BBC News.
The situation has compelled many locals to abandon their homes in an area historically aligned with the regime of deposed president Bashar al-Assad, who is also an Alawite. The SOHR reports that more than 1,000 individuals have lost their lives in just two days, marking the gravest instances of violence in Syria since the overthrow of Assad in December last year.
This number includes members of government forces as well as pro-Assad gunmen, with clamor intensifying in Latakia and Tartous provinces where violence erupted late on Thursday. Reports indicate that at least 125 from the Islamist-led security forces and 148 pro-Assad counterparts have died amid these fierce confrontations.
In response to allegations of "treacherous attacks" against their personnel, a spokesperson for the Syrian defense ministry asserted that governmental control over the areas has now been restored. Local activists describe the Alawite community's atmosphere as one of "horror," leading to mass displacements as many sought refuge at the Russian military base in Hmeimim, with videos showing residents clamoring for protection from Russian forces.
Additionally, numerous families have fled to neighboring Lebanon, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy for Syria, expressed profound concern over these emerging reports of civilian casualties and urged all parties to steer clear of actions that might further destabilize the region and obstruct pathways toward a legitimate political resolution.
The Alawite sect, constituting around 10% of Syria's predominantly Sunni Muslim populace, finds itself at the heart of this alarming escalation in violence, as the war’s toll continues to mount.
The situation has compelled many locals to abandon their homes in an area historically aligned with the regime of deposed president Bashar al-Assad, who is also an Alawite. The SOHR reports that more than 1,000 individuals have lost their lives in just two days, marking the gravest instances of violence in Syria since the overthrow of Assad in December last year.
This number includes members of government forces as well as pro-Assad gunmen, with clamor intensifying in Latakia and Tartous provinces where violence erupted late on Thursday. Reports indicate that at least 125 from the Islamist-led security forces and 148 pro-Assad counterparts have died amid these fierce confrontations.
In response to allegations of "treacherous attacks" against their personnel, a spokesperson for the Syrian defense ministry asserted that governmental control over the areas has now been restored. Local activists describe the Alawite community's atmosphere as one of "horror," leading to mass displacements as many sought refuge at the Russian military base in Hmeimim, with videos showing residents clamoring for protection from Russian forces.
Additionally, numerous families have fled to neighboring Lebanon, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy for Syria, expressed profound concern over these emerging reports of civilian casualties and urged all parties to steer clear of actions that might further destabilize the region and obstruct pathways toward a legitimate political resolution.
The Alawite sect, constituting around 10% of Syria's predominantly Sunni Muslim populace, finds itself at the heart of this alarming escalation in violence, as the war’s toll continues to mount.
