The United Nations’ special envoy for Syria has expressed deep concern following reports of widespread violence against the Alawite Muslim minority in Syria. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), Syrian security forces have allegedly killed hundreds of civilians in ongoing clashes along the country’s coastal regions.
The UK-based monitoring group reported that nearly 745 Alawite civilians were killed in 30 separate massacres on Friday and Saturday, marking one of the deadliest waves of violence in recent years. This latest round of attacks has forced many residents in Latakia and Tartous—strongholds of the Alawite sect and former President Bashar al-Assad’s base of support—to flee their homes.
In total, the SOHR states that more than 1,000 people have been killed in just two days, the worst violence in Syria since rebels ousted the Assad regime in December. This figure includes dozens of government troops and pro-Assad fighters who have been engaged in intense battles with Islamist-led security forces since Thursday. Reports indicate that at least 125 security personnel and 148 pro-Assad gunmen have been killed in the fighting.
The Syrian government has claimed that it has re-established control after “treacherous attacks” on security forces, according to a defense ministry spokesperson speaking to the state-run SANA news agency.
Alawite Community in ‘State of Horror’
An activist in Latakia told the BBC on Friday that the Alawite community is in a “state of horror,” with many families scrambling for safety as the violence intensifies. Many Alawites have reportedly sought refuge at the Russian military base in Hmeimim, Latakia, with some chanting, “People want Russian protection” in videos shared by Reuters. Additionally, local media reported that dozens of families have fled into Lebanon as the humanitarian crisis worsens.
UN Condemns Civilian Casualties
Geir Pedersen, the UN’s special envoy for Syria, expressed grave concern over the reported civilian casualties, calling the situation in Syria’s coastal regions “very troubling.” Pedersen urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could destabilize the country further. He emphasized the urgent need for a “credible and inclusive political transition” to prevent more bloodshed.
Alawites, who make up around 10% of Syria’s population, have long been linked to the ruling Assad family, which is from the Alawite sect of Shia Islam. The majority of Syria’s population is Sunni Muslim, and the latest violence has sparked fears of a broader sectarian conflict. There are concerns that continued attacks on the Alawite minority could trigger reprisals and lead to even greater instability in the war-torn country.
