Alawites in Syria Face Continued Persecution After Brutal Counteroffensive

One month after a devastating wave of revenge attacks claimed the lives of over 1,700 people, predominantly Alawite civilians, the situation for Syria's Alawite minority remains dire. The international press and the Egyptian newspaper Al Ahram have reported that targeted violence against Alawites persists, with dozens more falling victim to smaller attacks since early April. This ongoing violence has left the community in a state of fear and uncertainty, casting doubt on the interim government's ability to provide the promised protection.

The violence began last month when Assad loyalists attacked security forces near Latakia, sparking a devastating counteroffensive in the Alawite-majority coastal region. Rights groups, including the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reported widespread revenge killings by Sunni militias, who targeted Alawites indiscriminately, blaming them for years of oppression under the Assad regime. Some survivors described militants entering homes and questioning residents about their sect before committing killings.

Though large-scale attacks have subsided, individual killings and harassment persist. Activists report ongoing incidents in Latakia, Tartus, and Homs, where Alawites are still targeted despite having no ties to the Assad government. Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory confirmed 42 sectarian killings since late March, while a school in Tartus publicly mourned nearly 80 teachers, students, and alums killed in recent attacks.

Mohammed Saleh, an activist and former political prisoner, has voiced his concerns about Syria potentially transitioning from one form of oppression to another. He has stressed the crucial need for security forces that protect all citizens, regardless of their sect or religion, to ensure equality and justice for all.

Fearing for their safety, tens of thousands of Alawites have fled into northern Lebanon. The UN estimates over 30,000 Alawite refugees have crossed the border in the past month, many arriving with few belongings and no support. Despite hardships in Lebanon, many feel it is safer than returning to Syria.

A Test for the Interim Government

Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has vowed to bring perpetrators to justice and create an inclusive state. A committee was established to investigate the attacks, but its findings remain undisclosed. Amnesty International's Diana Semaan stressed the importance of immediate justice, warning that the government's actions will now define its credibility.

For Syria's Alawites, the path ahead is shrouded in uncertainty as they grapple with fear, displacement, and the disappointment of unfulfilled promises of peace. The gravity of their situation is palpable, and the need for a swift and effective resolution is more pressing than ever.

Photo: Al Ahram