Syrian security forces are being accused of killing scores of civilians from Alawite communities during ongoing fighting along Syria’s coastal regions. According to reports by British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), 745 were killed between Friday and Saturday as a result of attacks targeting Alawite communities – yet BBC News was unable to independently confirm these claims.
SOHR reports that over 1,000 people have been killed over the last two days, according to its estimates. These casualties reportedly include government soldiers and pro-Assad fighters engaged in heavy clashes since Thursday in Latakia and Tartous; their ranks include Islamist-led security forces as well as fighters loyal to President Bashar al-Assad whose fighters have engaged in heavy clashes there; some casualties may include members of both groups 125 Islamist-led government security forces members as well as 148 fighters loyal to President Bashar al-Assad are among them reportedly.
A spokesperson from the Syrian Ministry of Defence informed Sana news agency that government forces had regained control over their security forces after coming under attack from what it termed “treacherous attacks.”
Violence among Alawite communities has left them fearful and confused, prompting many to flee from affected areas. Hundreds have sought refuge at refugee camps within Syria while an even larger crowd have congregated at a Russian military base in Latakia; crowds were seen chanting ‘people want Russian protection’ outside this base on Reuters footage. Furthermore, several families have reported fleeing across Lebanon borders.
Geir Pedersen, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, expressed grave alarm over rising civilian casualties and strongly encouraged all parties to refrain from actions that could further destabilize Syria or compromise chances for peaceful political transition.
Alawites make up approximately 10% of Syria’s population and represent an offshoot of Shia Islam. Their presence holds special meaning within Syria as former President Bashar al-Assad himself is also an Alawite.
