Syrian security forces have bolstered their presence in Alawite regions following reports of nearly 750 civilian deaths attributed to government and allied forces. The violence, arising from clashes after the arrest of a suspect, has intensified fears of reprisal attacks. Leaders from various religious communities have condemned the atrocities and called for peace amidst the tensions.
Syrian security forces intensified their presence in the Alawite stronghold on the Mediterranean coast following alarming reports by a war monitor indicating that approximately 750 civilians from this minority group were killed in recent days. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based organization, detailed that these fatalities occurred in Latakia and Tartus, attributed to the actions of security forces and pro-government fighters who engaged in “executions” alongside widespread looting of properties.
The civilian death toll contributed to an overall count of 1,018 casualties since Thursday’s outbreak of violence, which also claimed 125 members of the new government’s security apparatus and 148 pro-Assad fighters. In response to the unrest, the official SANA news agency stated that security personnel were deployed strategically across affected areas in Latakia, Jableh, and Baniyas to restore order. Residents reported ongoing violence, with one individual recounting the tragic deaths of family members at the hands of armed groups during home invasions.
A spokesman for the Syrian defence ministry affirmed that security forces had “reimposed control” in previously affected regions, issuing firm warnings against any acts of aggression or home invasions. Amid evolving security concerns, Education Minister Nazir al-Qadri announced school closures for the upcoming days in both Latakia and Tartus. Furthermore, a significant power outage was reported across Latakia province, attributed to assaults on the electrical grid by loyalists of the ousted president.
The spark for these violent clashes stemmed from the apprehension of a wanted individual in a predominantly Alawite village, escalating tensions significantly. Although the situation showed signs of temporary stabilization with renewed security deployments, officials indicated efforts to prevent any form of civil unrest, emphasizing their commitment to protecting all segments of the Syrian population.
The continuing unrest has instigated fear among Alawites of potential retaliatory violence due to the long history of severe repression under the Assad regime. Social media outlets have been rife with emotional testimonies and documentation of reported atrocities, including the portrayal of distressing incidents involving families reportedly killed in their homes. In light of these events, leaders from various Christian denominations and the Druze spiritual leader have condemned the violence and called for peace, signaling a growing concern over the increasing cycle of retribution in the region.
In summary, Syria’s Alawite community is currently experiencing heightened violence due to clashes involving government forces and armed groups. Reports indicate severe casualties with over 700 civilians reported killed. The Syrian government has increased security measures to restore order, while concerns of a wider conflict and reprisals loom large in the aftermath of the recent violence. Voices from various religious communities are calling for an end to the brutality, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
