Violence in Syria has escalated months after former President Bashar al-Assad’s removal. Forces backing the new Islamist government are cracking down on an Alawite-led insurgency.
Rising Death Toll
The conflict has entered its fourth day, with over 1,000 people killed, mostly civilians. Fighting is concentrated in Assad’s coastal stronghold, including cities like Latakia and Tartous.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that within two days, 745 civilians, 125 Syrian security forces, and 148 Assad loyalists had lost their lives. On Sunday, Rami Abdulrahman, the observatory’s head, stated that this was one of the deadliest incidents since the 2013 chemical attack that killed around 1,400 people.
Government’s Response
Syria’s interim government, now under Sunni Islamist leadership, is led by Interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. Over the weekend, he urged both Syrians and the international community to hold those harming civilians or mistreating prisoners accountable.
The counteroffensive against Assad loyalists in Alawite-majority areas has caused severe destruction. Rights groups have reported revenge killings, with Sunni militants targeting Alawites regardless of their involvement in the insurgency.
Who Are the Alawites?
The Alawites, a Shia Islam sect, were the backbone of Assad’s rule in a Sunni-majority nation. Clashes between the new government and Assad supporters began on Thursday in Alawite heartland and quickly escalated.
Many victims belong to the Alawite community, which has long been concentrated in Syria’s coastal regions. Under Assad, critics accused the government of favoring Alawites, while militant groups increasingly targeted them for their ties to Assad, Russia, and Iran.
What Led to the Violence?
Tensions have soared since Assad’s removal. Sectarian attacks against Alawites have continued despite assurances from Syria’s interim president that all communities would be included in the country’s future.
The government blamed the violence on “individual actions” and insisted security forces were targeting armed pro-Assad factions. Meanwhile, a Kurdish commander accused Turkish-backed Islamist fighters of executing Alawite civilians. Turkey has yet to respond to the claims.
The Syrian Observatory reported that the violence began after security forces arrested a wanted suspect in an Alawite village. However, by Saturday, the region had seen a “relative return to calm.”
Military Countermeasures
In a surprise attack, pro-Assad Alawite gunmen ambushed government security forces and briefly took control of Qardaha, Assad’s hometown. The government quickly sent reinforcements.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Hassan Abdel-Ghani announced on Sunday that security forces had regained control of the area. He assured that operations would continue to track down the insurgency’s leaders.
Looking Ahead
Despite government appeals to end sectarian violence, clashes have turned deadly, causing heavy civilian casualties. Meanwhile, Interim President Al-Sharaa has formed an independent committee to investigate violence on both sides. Graphic execution videos have surfaced, though their authenticity remains unverified.
