Sectarian violence in Syria has resulted in the deaths of over 800 people, with entire families targeted by armed groups loyal to former ruler Bashar al-Assad’s regime, according to a UN report.
The office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said it had documented at least 111 killings, but believed the number was much higher. Many victims were shot dead in front of their families, and the killings appear to have been carried out on a sectarian basis, targeting members of the Alawite minority.
Eyewitnesses reported that government loyalists carrying out field executions, with some claiming to be “purifying” the country. Teacher Ahmed Ali Al Mousa was killed by armed men who asked him about his sect, while his sister-in-law and nephew were also killed in their home.
The Syrian regime’s caretaker authorities have announced an end to security operations, but intermittent clashes continue. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has blamed the violence on the remains of Assad’s forces, claiming they are trying to incite sectarian strife. Sharaa has vowed to hold accountable anyone involved in civilian deaths during the fighting.
A committee is to be formed to investigate the violence and submit a report within 30 days. The UN report highlights the need for accountability and action to address the sectarian tensions that have fueled the violence in Syria.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/12/middleeast/syria-sectarian-violence-un-ohcr-intl-hnk/index.html