Syria remains gripped by unrest following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, with the Alawite community increasingly caught in the crosshairs. Recent reports paint a grim picture of escalating violence and targeted attacks, leaving many civilians in fear for their lives.
Alawites Under Threat
The Alawite community, comprising approximately 9% of the Syrian population (around 1.7 million people), has faced repeated targeting since Assad's fall. As the dictator was one of them, this community has been repeatedly targeted. Sources indicate a significant increase in violence against Alawites in recent months. "They now live in great fear," reports one source, highlighting the community's vulnerability.
Tragically, in the last three months, the confirmed killing of 1,500 Alawites has been documented, a stark indication of the escalating danger they face. This surge in violence has instilled widespread fear and uncertainty within the community.
Rising Opposition and Violent Clashes
The new Syrian rulers are encountering fierce opposition, especially in regions like Idlib. Mobilization efforts are underway in response to recent clashes, signifying a growing resistance movement. The province of Latakia, historically a stronghold of the Alawites who benefited under the previous regime, remains a key area of contention.
Recent battles in the Alawite minority’s stronghold, once a crucial base for Assad, have resulted in numerous casualties. Reports indicate that at least 48 people have been killed in the "most violent" unrest since Assad's ouster, highlighting the volatile situation on the ground.
Landmine Tragedy in Aleppo
The dangers extend beyond direct clashes. A recent incident in the northern countryside of Aleppo tragically illustrates the lingering threat posed by remnants of the Assad regime. A civilian was killed, and his son injured, when their vehicle detonated a landmine left behind by Assad's forces near the village of Al-Ziyara.
This incident underscores the pervasive danger faced by civilians in areas previously controlled by the Assad regime, as unexploded ordnance continues to claim innocent lives. The situation remains tense, with the Alawite community facing heightened risks amidst the ongoing instability and violence.
The international community is urged to address the escalating crisis and ensure the protection of vulnerable populations in Syria.