Armed forces supporting the transitional Syrian government were seen traveling in a vehicle in the city of Latakia in western Syria on Sunday. Eyewitnesses and videos reported that supporters of the Syrian government were conducting field executions and talking about “purifying” the country, painting a disturbing picture of a crackdown against remnants of the former Assad regime that escalated into communal violence.
The violence in Syria, which has been described as the worst since the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad late last year, was triggered when armed groups targeted Alawite strongholds in an effort to suppress a rebellion by rebels still loyal to the former government. An independent monitoring group based in the UK, the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR), stated that at least 642 people, including civilians, had been killed in the violence, with reports of government forces carrying out widespread executions of young men and adults.
Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, called for national unity and labeled the clashes as “expected challenges,” announcing the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the situation. CNN has reached out to the Syrian government for their response.
Residents in Latakia described armed men attacking people in their homes, leading to mass killings and a climate of fear. Reports emerged of civilians, including elderly individuals, being targeted and killed in cold blood. There were accounts of families receiving distressing news of loved ones being killed by armed groups loyal to the new government, sparking further fear and uncertainty.
Security concerns persist as the new administration grapples with restoring order and stability. The Alawite sect, a minority group that held influence during the Assad regime, has faced targeted violence and upheaval following the change in leadership. Amidst the turmoil, promises of political equality and representation for Syria’s diverse population have been made by the new government.
Although many Alawites have relinquished their weapons since December, many others have not. The recent attacks began after reports surfaced that loyalists of Assad had ambushed and killed members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group that led the uprising against the former Syrian leader.
According to Bashir, who spoke to CNN, the Assad loyalists were not present in the villages they attacked, and they were targeting innocent civilians. The Syrian government mentioned that “individual violations” occurred as large, disorganized crowds entered the area.
The government stated to CNN that over 150 security forces were killed and 300 captured in clashes with Assad loyalists since Thursday. CNN cannot independently verify the casualty figures.
Videos circulated on social media showed armed convoys heading to Latakia and Tartous before the violence erupted. In one video, an armed man stated that the conflict had transitioned from liberation to a “battle for purification” of Syria.
Further reports detailed disturbing acts of violence, including videos showing dead bodies in Al Mukhtareyah and individuals being targeted and killed in cruel ways. These incidents have raised concerns about the new Syrian administration distancing itself from its violent past.
The situation underscores the ongoing instability in the region and the challenges faced by the Syrian population.
