Security forces allied with the interim Syrian government were spotted riding in a vehicle in the western city of Latakia on Sunday, as reported by Omar Haj Kadour/AFP via Getty Images. Eyewitnesses and video footage revealed that armed individuals supportive of the Syrian government were engaged in field executions and spoke of purging the nation, painting a grim picture of a crackdown on remnants of the former Assad regime that escalated into communal violence.
Following armed men’s incursion into Alawite strongholds on Thursday, Syrian authorities claimed it was an effort to quell an insurgency by rebels who remained loyal to the previous government. The violence that ensued marked the most severe outbreak of conflict since the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad late last year. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR), a UK-based independent monitoring organization, reported that a minimum of 642 individuals, including numerous civilians, had perished in the unrest. The deaths included young men and adults who were subjects of “widespread field executions” by government forces.
Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, urged national unity in the face of what he termed as “anticipated challenges.” In response to the situation, an independent committee has been established by his office to conduct investigations. CNN sought comment from the Syrian government regarding these events.
Residents of Latakia expressed harrowing experiences of armed assailants attacking civilians in what seemed like a campaign of terror. Many fled their homes, recounting instances of loved ones being ruthlessly killed. The influx of armed individuals into Latakia and Tartous followed reports of assaults by Assad loyalists against the new government’s forces in Alawite cities.
Rasha Sadeq, an Alawite mother residing in Homs, tragically learned of her mother and two brothers falling victim to armed groups linked to the new government in Baniyas. Reports indicated that her family, who were civilians and not pro-Assad, were targeted amidst gunfire and religious chants.
The Assad family, belonging to the Alawite minority, ruled Syria for over fifty years until Bashar’s removal in December. Sunni Islamist militants overthrew Bashar, aiming to reshape the nation’s political and sectarian landscape. Led by former al Qaeda operative Ahmad al-Sharaa, this group pledged equality and representation for Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.
Amidst these developments, ensuring security poses a significant challenge for the new administration. Alawites, constituting approximately 10% of the population, held influential positions within the Assad regime.
Although many Alawites have surrendered their weapons since December, there are still many who have not. The recent attacks began following reports that Assad loyalists had ambushed and killed members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group that led the rebellion against the former Syrian leader. According to Bashir, interviewed by CNN, the Assad loyalists were not present in the villages they attacked, and instead targeted innocent civilians. Reports from a Syrian government source indicated that “individual violations” occurred after large, unorganized crowds arrived in the area.
The Syrian government reported that at least 150 security forces had been killed and 300 captured in clashes with Assad loyalists since Thursday. However, CNN has been unable to independently verify these casualty numbers.
Videos circulating on social media showed armed convoys heading to Latakia and Tartous before the violence erupted, with one narrator describing the conflict as a “battle for purification.” Threats against Alawites were made in the videos, with calls for their slaughter.
Following the violence, disturbing videos emerged showing dead bodies and acts of violence in Al Mukhtareyah village. CNN could not confirm the authenticity of these videos, but they depict brutal killings and harassment.
The attacks have raised concerns about the new Syrian administration’s ability to maintain peace and order, especially given their efforts to distance themselves from past jihadist affiliations. The situation has been described as equally criminal as the Assad regime by some observers.
Contributions to this story were made by Nadeen Ebrahim, Allegra Goodwin, and Frankie Vetch, with previous reporting by Eyad Kourdi and Mohammed Tawfeeq. To stay updated with CNN news and newsletters, you can create an account at CNN.com.
