Relatives and neighbours attend the funeral procession for four Syrian security force members killed in clashes with loyalists of ousted President Bashar Assad in coastal Syria (Photo credit: AP)
An ambush on a Syrian security patrol by pro-Assad gunmen near Latakia has escalated into days of clashes, with over 1,000 reported dead. The violence, which marks the worst Syria has seen since December, has reignited deep-seated sectarian tensions, particularly targeting the Alawite community, a minority that once formed the backbone of Bashar al-Assad’s rule.
The assault by Alawite insurgents overwhelmed government forces, briefly taking control of Qardaha, Assad’s hometown, before security forces reasserted control. While authorities have since attempted to restore order, the fighting triggered a wave of revenge killings, with Sunni militants targeting Alawite civilians. Despite interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s assurances of inclusivity, many Alawites fear they are being persecuted under the new Islamist-led government.
Who are the Alawites?
The Alawites, an offshoot of Shia Islam, played a central role in Assad’s power structure, benefiting from political and military influence for over five decades. With Assad’s ousting, they have become vulnerable to retribution. Islamist factions within Syria’s new leadership view them as remnants of a regime they fought to dismantle, further inflaming the sectarian divide.
Rights groups estimate that hundreds of Alawite civilians have been killed, with reports of homes looted and burned. Damascus blames rogue elements for the violence, but critics argue the government’s failure to protect the minority community exposes deep-rooted biases within the new leadership.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported widespread killings, with 745 civilians, 125 security personnel, and 148 pro-Assad fighters among the dead. The situation remains dire, as essential services such as electricity and water have been cut off in Alawite-majority areas. Some rights groups claim government forces and militants alike have committed atrocities, raising concerns that the conflict could spiral further out of control. The US and UN have condemned the violence, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for accountability for “radical Islamist terrorists, including foreign jihadis.”
Sharaa has responded by establishing an investigative committee to examine the killings and ensure those responsible face justice. However, his rhetoric has also included warnings against “remnants of Assad’s regime,” signaling a crackdown on Alawite insurgents. Many remain sceptical that the new government, dominated by former HTS figures, will truly safeguard Syria’s religious and ethnic diversity.
Syria’s neighbours, including Turkey, Iraq, and Jordan, have expressed alarm over the escalating crisis, fearing regional instability. Meanwhile, the US and Europe remain hesitant to lift sanctions, citing concerns over Syria’s political future.
