Syria’s new government is taking steps to investigate reports of mass revenge killings targeting the Alawite minority. This comes after the UN’s human rights chief urged swift action to protect Syrians from violence. Over the past few days, violent clashes in the coastal region, traditionally loyal to deposed President Bashar al-Assad, have resulted in at least 1,311 deaths, according to a war monitoring group.
Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized the need for the caretaker authorities to act quickly to prevent further violations and ensure accountability. The ongoing violence has escalated into revenge attacks against the Alawite sect, which has faced backlash since the fall of Assad’s regime.
The situation intensified when thousands of armed supporters of the new government moved into coastal areas, leading to clashes with Assad loyalists. This violence has drawn international attention, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for accountability for those responsible for the killings and expressing support for Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the violence as "horrific."
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that among the dead, 830 were civilians, including women and children from the Alawite community. Additionally, 231 members of the Syrian security forces and 250 fighters loyal to Assad also lost their lives. The fighting has been characterized by coordinated attacks and ambushes on security forces, with over 300 security personnel reported killed.
As the violence spreads, a mass grave containing bodies of recently killed security forces was discovered near Qardaha, Assad’s hometown. The new Syrian leader, Ahmed Sharaa, has urged citizens to maintain national unity and not let the current tensions destabilize the country further.
The Alawites, who make up about 10% of Syria’s population, have expressed concerns about their safety. They were once a key support base for Assad but now find themselves targeted in the wake of his ousting. The community, along with other minorities, is wary of the new government’s promises of inclusivity.
Sharaa’s administration, formed after the fall of Assad, is facing significant challenges in governing a deeply divided nation. The recent violence is among the deadliest seen in Syria since the civil war began over a decade ago. As the country seeks to rebuild, the international community remains hesitant to lift sanctions until there is a clear path toward a democratic transition that includes all of Syria’s diverse groups.