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Massacres of Alawite Civilians in Syria Uncover Deep Sectarian Violence

New evidence reveals the targeted killings of hundreds of Alawites by fighters aligned with Syria's interim government following an ambush by Assad loyalists.

A drone view shows traffic passing by residential buildings, as Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa grapples with the fallout from reported mass killings of Alawite minority members, in Latakia, Syria March 11, 2025. REUTERS/Karam al-Masri/File Photo
People walk past damaged vehicles, as Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa grapples with the fallout from reported mass killings of Alawite minority members, in Jableh, Syria March 12, 2025. REUTERS/Karam al-Masri/File Photo
People in the Syrian village of Al-Janoudiya attend a funeral procession Saturday, March 8, for four Syrian security force members who were killed in clashes with loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Clashes between government security forces and Assad supporters have killed hundreds this month, according to a monitoring group.

Overview

  • At least 800 people, primarily Alawite civilians, were killed in retaliatory attacks by Sunni Islamist fighters following a March 6 ambush by Assad loyalists in Syria's coastal regions.
  • Eyewitness accounts and verified footage detail summary executions, looting, and mass graves in villages like al-Sanobar, with survivors recounting harrowing escapes and the loss of entire families.
  • Mass graves containing over 200 bodies have been identified in al-Sanobar alone, with satellite imagery corroborating the scale of the killings and burial sites.
  • The interim government, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, has condemned the violence, attributing it to rogue elements, and has vowed to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable.
  • The violence has displaced thousands of Alawite families, many of whom are seeking refuge near Russian military bases, raising concerns about the new government's ability to protect minorities and foster unity.