The conflict in Syria has seen targeted killings of over 1,200 Alawites, despite Ahmed al-Sharaa’s calls for peace. The violence marks a resurgence of sectarian strife as revenge attacks continue unimpeded. Hundreds have fled to Lebanon as the situation deteriorates, prompting calls for investigations into the atrocities.
In Syria, targeted killings of Alawite civilians have resulted in over 1,200 deaths amidst ongoing violence, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Despite the new Islamist leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, promoting peace, sectarian violence has escalated, particularly affecting Alawite communities in coastal regions such as Latakia, Tatous, Hama, and Homs. Recent reports indicated that 132 civilians were killed within a single week.
The violence constitutes a systematic campaign involving mass killings and the destruction of property, with no significant international intervention to curb the atrocities. The current unrest was ignited by attacks on Sharaa’s forces conducted by loyalists of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad. Amidst these tensions, Alawite civilians, who have historically faced persecution, are now facing intensified attacks attributed to revenge operations.
Sharaa has condemned the actions of Assad’s loyalists and external actors, asserting a commitment to restore order following the displacement of Assad to Russia. The situation has led to massive sectarian violence that recalls the bloodshed during the country’s prolonged civil war. Recent incidents included family massacres as armed groups continued to invade predominantly Alawite areas.
Despite Sharaa’s promises to bring perpetrators to justice, the violence remains unchecked. Reports indicate that many attacks involved summary executions predominantly targeting Alawite communities. The UN human rights office has highlighted the appalling nature of these acts, revealing that entire families have been slaughtered. Many of the identified attackers are linked to both the interim government and Assad’s forces.
The bloodshed has prompted numerous families to flee into Lebanon, with at least 350 families reportedly seeking refuge in recent days. A witness recounted the trauma of fleeing as violence erupted in her village. Meanwhile, a Syrian fact-finding committee has been established to investigate these sectarian killings, asserting the importance of accountability for all parties involved.
Sharaa has stated the need for careful assessment of the involvement of defense ministry forces in these violent events and acknowledged that various armed groups acted without prior coordination. Reports continue to emerge of both civilian casualties and losses among security personnel, complicating the security and humanitarian situation in the conflict-ridden country.
In conclusion, the ongoing violence against Alawite civilians in Syria has led to over 1,200 fatalities, underscoring the deepening sectarian strife following political upheaval. Despite the new regime’s commitments to accountability and order, the grim reality of brutal retaliatory actions persists, with many civilians fleeing to avoid further bloodshed. The commitment from the Syrian government to hold perpetrators accountable remains to be seen amidst the backdrop of escalating violence and humanitarian crises affecting thousands.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
