In recent days, large-scale violence against the civilian population has been occurring in Syria. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), based in Great Britain, 973 civilians have been killed as a result of attacks against Alawites in cities located on the Mediterranean coast in the western part of the country. Including members of armed groups, the total number of victims amounts to 1,300.
How is the government assessing the situation?
Acting President Ahmad ash-Shar’a blamed "supporters of the former regime" for the attacks against government security forces. In a statement on state television, ash-Shar’a emphasized that strict measures would be taken against any forces responsible for bloodshed among the civilian population.
“Today, as we are going through difficult days, remnants of the former government and foreign supporters are trying to incite a new conflict in our country. Their goal is to fragment Syria and destroy its stability,” he said.
Additionally, ash-Shar’a announced the establishment of an independent committee to investigate crimes and identify those responsible.
Situation in areas inhabited by Alawites
According to reports, hundreds of families have left their homes in Alawite-inhabited districts. Reuters reports that some have sought refuge at Russia's Hmeymim military base in Latakia. Besides the base, many families have also fled to neighboring Lebanon.
“The violence has put the Alawite community in a terrifying situation,” says a local activist to a BBC reporter.
According to SOHR, the current unrest in Syria is the strongest wave of violence observed since the fall of the Assad government in December 2024. Over the course of two days, more than a thousand people have been killed, including security forces and armed individuals loyal to Assad.
International community's response
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen condemned the violence sharply and emphasized the need to restore peace in the country. He called on all parties to refrain from actions that lead to instability.
International observers are assessing the recent events in Syria as a serious threat to the government's ability to govern the country. Reuters reports that the new government's ability to ensure inclusive governance remains in doubt.
The recent events in Syria have led to serious casualties among the civilian population. While the government blames Assad supporters for the violence, instability is increasing in areas inhabited by Alawites. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling on all parties to engage in negotiations to establish peace.
