Sectarian violence is sweeping through Syria’s coastal region, with hundreds of civilians killed in just a few days, according to war monitors and human rights groups.
Armed groups and foreign fighters aligned with the government but not integrated into it are largely responsible for the sectarian violence, said the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The group reported that over 800 people were killed between Thursday and Monday, mostly Alawites in Latakia and Tartus Provinces.
The clashes began when Assad loyalists ambushed security forces, prompting a harsh crackdown that turned into sectarian attacks on civilians. The United Nations has documented the killing of 111 civilians so far, with the actual number believed to be significantly higher.
Syrian officials have blamed the unrest on Assad loyalists, but the government has yet to acknowledge any responsibility for the bloodshed. A fact-finding committee is being formed to investigate the violence and bring perpetrators to justice.
Human rights groups are urging the government to ensure that investigations are prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial. The situation remains unstable, with thousands of Islamist fighters still present in Syria, despite the overthrow of the regime.
Integration of armed groups into a single national army has yet to be completed, leaving security forces struggling to maintain control. The Syrian president’s pledge to unite the nation and protect all Syrians is being undermined by sectarian tensions, which are threatening to destabilize the country.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/12/world/europe/syria-alawite-killings-human-rights.html