Gunmen loyal to the current government launched “revenge killings” against the Alawite minority, long associated with former President Assad, on Thursday in Syria’s coastal region. The violent episode, concentrated in areas around Latakia and Baniyas, led to severe clashes in which, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 745 civilians, 125 government security personnel, and 148 militants were killed. Authorities have since restored order in most areas by closing roads leading to the region.
Widespread Destruction and Humanitarian Crisis
Along with the violent assaults, residents in Alawite-majority areas reported that essential services, including electricity and drinking water, were cut off. Homes were looted and set ablaze, and in some towns, like Baniyas, bodies were left unattended on streets and building rooftops. Disturbing accounts emerged of women being stripped and paraded naked before being shot, painting a grim picture of the unfolding humanitarian crisis.
Mass Exodus and Regional Implications
The brutal campaign against the Alawite community has led to a mass exodus, with many fleeing to neighboring Lebanon for safety, as noted by Lebanese politician Haidar Nasser. With the new regime in power for three months, critics argue that these acts are a deliberate attempt to purge those associated with Assad’s rule. The international community continues to monitor the situation as local authorities and humanitarian agencies work to restore stability and address the mounting crisis.