Syria Pledges Investigation into Mass Killings of Alawite Civilians Amid International Outcry
Syria’s interim president, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, has vowed accountability for the recent mass killings of Alawite civilians in the coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus, following an international outcry over the escalating violence.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 973 Alawite civilians, including women and children, have been executed by security forces or pro-government fighters since March 6. The violence erupted amid deadly clashes between the new security forces and loyalists of former leader Bashar Assad, who was overthrown in December.
Rising Death Toll Sparks Global Condemnation
According to the Observatory, the ongoing conflict has resulted in 1,311 fatalities, including 231 security personnel and 250 pro-Assad fighters. The violence has prompted strong condemnations from the United Nations, the Arab League, the United States, Britain, and other international bodies.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk called for an immediate halt to the killings, while British Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged the Syrian government to ensure the protection of all civilians and establish a path toward transitional justice.
Sharaa’s Promise of Justice
In a statement released by state news agency SANA, President Al-Sharaa pledged to hold all perpetrators accountable. “We will not tolerate any bloodshed against civilians, nor will we allow abuses of power,” he stated. He also announced the formation of an independent investigative committee to bring those responsible to justice.
Addressing the nation from a mosque in Damascus, Sharaa appealed for unity, saying, “God willing, we will be able to live together in this country.”
Reports of Mass Executions and Displacement
Eyewitnesses and social media posts have detailed the brutality of the killings. In the city of Baniyas, residents described armed groups storming homes and executing men on rooftops. Samir Haidar, a 67-year-old resident, reported that his two brothers and nephew were killed in such an attack.
Meanwhile, Syrian security forces have deployed heavily across the coastal regions, launching “sweeping operations” to eliminate remnants of the Assad-loyalist militias. Military convoys have entered various neighborhoods in search of armed groups.
Regional and International Reactions
The United States, through its chief diplomat Marco Rubio, has urged Syria to prosecute those responsible for the massacres. In Jordan, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani reaffirmed that all involved individuals would face legal consequences.
The Kurdish administration in northern Syria condemned the killings, warning that such violence could reignite sectarian divisions and instability.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized the international community for engaging with the new Syrian government, warning that the ruling coalition includes extremist elements. He urged European leaders to “wake up” and reassess their stance on Syria’s leadership.
A Nation in Fear
The Alawite community, long associated with Assad’s regime, has been gripped by fear of reprisals. Many have taken to social media to share accounts of the killings, while others have fled their homes in search of safety.
During a sermon in Damascus, Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X condemned the violence, urging the government to restore security for all Syrians, regardless of religious or ethnic background.
As tensions rise, protests have erupted in Damascus, with rival groups clashing over the killings. Syrian security forces reportedly fired into the air to disperse the demonstrators.
The situation in Syria remains fragile, with fears that the escalating violence could further destabilize the war-torn country. While the new government pledges accountability, the path to justice and national reconciliation remains uncertain.
Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2593044/middle-east