Recent violence in Syria has raised serious concerns about the country’s stability following the fall of the Assad regime. According to reports from sources in Syria, the current unrest is not solely due to remnants of the old government, as many mainstream outlets suggest. Instead, these sources point to a series of provocations against the Alawite community that have escalated tensions.
The conflict intensified after an ambush that killed 13 members of the Syrian state security services near Latakia. Official narratives attribute the violence to loyalists of the former regime, but eyewitness accounts tell a different story. A source from Latakia, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, described a climate of fear and retaliation against Alawites, who have been targeted despite their past service against ISIS.
This source revealed that thousands of military personnel, mostly Alawites, were kidnapped shortly after the regime’s collapse. These soldiers had not engaged in violence against civilians, yet they became victims of the new government’s failure to honor promises of amnesty. The situation worsened with artillery and drone strikes on impoverished Alawite villages, further fueling resentment.
Interestingly, the source claimed that there was no significant foreign support for the Alawite defenders during the recent violence. Instead, they relied on weapons from former soldiers. The source indicated that the violence only escalated after these defenders ran out of ammunition, allowing extremist groups to move into the coastal areas.
Despite the Syrian government’s portrayal of the violence as isolated incidents, evidence suggests a more systematic campaign against the Alawite sect. Images and videos from the region show grim scenes, including piles of bodies and mourning families. Reports indicate that over 1,000 people have died, most of whom were Alawite civilians. Even human rights advocates have labeled the events as genocidal.
The situation is further complicated by the potential involvement of ISIS. Reports indicate that militants with ties to ISIS have been spotted in the area, raising fears that remnants of this group could be integrated into the Syrian state security forces.
As the U.S. considers its next steps, experts warn against actions that might inadvertently empower the new Syrian regime, which could lead to further violence against Alawites and potentially strengthen ISIS. Some analysts, including former U.S. officials, have called for cooperation with the new government to combat ISIS, but this approach has drawn criticism given the ongoing violence.
In summary, the current violence in Syria appears to stem from deep-rooted tensions and provocations against the Alawite community, rather than simply being a result of the former regime’s remnants. The international community, particularly the U.S., faces a complex challenge as it navigates its response to the evolving situation in Syria.