The humanitarian crisis in Syria and the refugees surviving at the Russian base
The tension in Syria has intensified in recent months, leading hundreds of people to seek refuge at Russia's Khmeimim airbase. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has described the current situation as a "massacre" and "the most horrific acts of violence in recent years." This was reported by Reuters.
Those who fled to the Khmeimim base
Some social media users have posted pictures of women and children who found shelter at the Khmeimim airbase. According to them, the base is primarily sheltering Christian, Druze, and Alawite refugees. However, the authenticity of these images and the identities of the users cannot be verified.
Currently, fighters from the "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" who have taken control of the area claim they are trying to completely eliminate the remnants of the Assad regime. Reports are circulating about increased violence against the population in villages and towns predominantly inhabited by Alawites. Many Alawite homes have been looted and then set on fire.
Refugees and international relations
Some Alawites in Syria are being forced to flee to Lebanon. According to Lebanese Alawite MP Haidar Nasr, many are seeking refuge at Russia's Khmeimim airbase. Security expert Rob Geyst Pinfold emphasized in an interview with Al Jazeera that the reason for this violence is the lack of a peace agreement between Syria's new government and Assad's supporters. In his opinion, very few people without ties to violence remain in the country after 14 years of civil war.
Major disasters in the last ten days
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights based in the UK, over 1,000 civilians were killed in Syria within two days. At least 745 of them were civilians. The main victims are Alawites, some of whom were killed in their homes, while others died while trying to escape from attacks.
Military operations in Latakia and Tartus
The military operations carried out by the Syrian government are mainly focused on the cities of Latakia and Tartus, where Alawites reside. According to reports from France's France 24 channel and the AFP agency, these actions began as a response to attacks carried out by Assad's supporters. The German Foreign Ministry and the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed serious concern about the situation and called on all parties to de-escalate tensions. The International Red Cross is demanding unhindered access to the area to provide medical assistance to the wounded.
Russia's role in Syria
Russia has two important military bases in Syria: the airbase in Khmeimim and the naval base in Tartus. On February 6, Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Kasra announced that these bases would remain if an agreement is reached. Russia's relationship with the new government is expected to improve after Assad is ousted from power in December 2024.
As the crisis in Syria continues, how the international community responds to this situation and what assistance is provided to refugees will be of great importance.
