Gunmen and security forces associated with Syria’s new Islamist rulers have carried out a deadly assault in the country’s coastal region, resulting in the deaths of over 340 people, including women and children from the Alawite minority, according to Rami Abdulrahman, the head of a war monitor organization. The violence, which took place in areas like Jableh and Baniyas, marked one of the worst incidents of bloodshed in the 13-year-long civil conflict. The reports have not been independently verified by Reuters. The violence followed deadly attacks by militants linked to the former regime of Bashar al-Assad, prompting the new ruling authority to crack down on what they described as a nascent insurgency.
Syrian security sources have confirmed casualties among security forces in clashes with militants. Officials have acknowledged violations during the ongoing operations, attributing them to unorganized groups of civilians and fighters. Security measures, including the blockage of roads leading to the coast and the deployment of security forces in coastal cities, have been implemented to restore calm. An emergency committee has been established to monitor violations and ensure compliance with military orders, with violators to be referred to military courts.
The widespread violence, including reports of mass killings in Alawite villages, raises concerns about the ability of the Islamist ruling authority to govern inclusively. The interim president, Ahmed Sharaa, supported the crackdown in a televised address, emphasizing the importance of upholding moral values and treating civilians and captives humanely.
The coastal region has witnessed a mass exodus of Alawites and Christians fleeing their homes, with many seeking refuge at a Russian military base in Latakia. Reports of killings, looting, and arson in areas like Baniyas have added to the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents. The defense ministry and internal security agency have stated their commitment to restoring order and protecting civilians in the region.
Villages. Reuters was unable to confirm the claims on its own. (Reported by Timour Azhari in Beirut, Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman and the Damascus Bureau; Edited by Sharon Singleton, Timothy Heritage, and Angus MacSwan)
