A devastating wave of violence has swept through Syria’s coastal region, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. According to the UN human rights office, 111 civilians have been verified killed since last Thursday, with many more believed to be unreported.
The violence, which began after a deadly ambush on a security patrol by loyalists of President Bashar al-Assad, has targeted predominantly Alawite areas. Gunmen supporting the Sunni Islamist-led government have been accused of carrying out revenge killings, while Assad loyalists have raided hospitals and clashed with security forces, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties.
The UN has welcomed the promise by Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa to form an independent investigative committee and to hold those responsible accountable. However, critics argue that the government’s response has been inadequate, with many families still living in fear and avoiding return home due to concerns about safety.
A monitoring group has reported over 1,200 civilian deaths in Latakia, Tartous, Hama, and Homs provinces, with many more believed to be unreported. The Syrian Red Crescent is working to recover bodies and bury them in mass graves, while many families have sought refuge in neighboring Lebanon or rural areas.
As the situation appears to be calming down, residents are sharing harrowing accounts of what happened during the violence. Many described being targeted because of their Alawite faith, with some survivors reporting that they were asked if they were Alawite before being killed or spared. The UN human rights chief has urged Syrian authorities to conduct prompt and independent investigations into these allegations.
The crisis in Syria’s coastal region is a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the country. With over 600,000 people killed since the start of the civil war, it is clear that more needs to be done to bring perpetrators to justice and provide support to those affected.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cedlx65988qo