Over a thousand civilians have been killed in Syria in recent days as the new government’s forces battled loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad, according to monitoring groups.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that at least 973 civilians, including women and children, have been killed in what it described as a large-scale retaliatory campaign primarily targeting members of the Alawite sect.
Most civilian casualties occurred in the governorates of Latakia and Tartus along Syria’s Mediterranean coast, as well as in Hama and Homs. These areas have historically been strongholds of support for the Assad regime and are home to significant Alawite populations.
The violence erupted Thursday, March 6, 2025, when pro-Assad forces reportedly ambushed security forces in Latakia province, killing several government troops. This triggered a massive response from government forces and allied fighters, leading to days of intense clashes.
“Our forces successfully neutralized the security cells and remnants of the fallen regime in the town of Al-Mukhtariya, the town of Al-Muzayra, the Al-Zoubar area, and others in the Latakia governorate, as well as the towns of Al-Daliya, Ta’anita, and Qadmous in the Tartus governorate, which resulted in thwarting the threats and securing the area,” Syrian Defense Ministry spokesperson Hassan Abdulghani said Monday, March 10, according to the Syrian News Agency SANA.
On Monday, the Syrian defense ministry announced the end of military operations, claiming they had been successful in neutralizing security threats from Assad loyalists.
Human rights monitors have characterized many of the killings as executions rather than casualties from combat. SOHR reported that gunmen loyal to the Sunni Islamist-led government carried out revenge killings against Alawites following the initial ambush on security forces.
“These crimes come as part of a large-scale retaliatory campaign targeting members of the Alawite sect, amid ongoing mass killings, house burnings, and forced displacement, all while there is a lack of international intervention to stop these massacres,” the UK-based NGO said in a report Monday.
The killings have raised concerns about the ability of the new government, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, to protect religious minorities and maintain stability. HTS is a former Al-Qaeda affiliate that now controls much of Syria following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.
Al-Sharaa has promised to investigate the killings and hold those responsible accountable, even if they are among his own allies. He vowed to hunt down Assad loyalists while ensuring the protection of all Syrian citizens regardless of their background.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of terror as armed groups entered Alawite villages and towns, with bodies reportedly left in the streets and homes looted and burned.
The violence has prompted hundreds of civilians to flee their homes along the Mediterranean coast, and demonstrations have been organized in Damascus to mourn the deaths and condemn the violence.
International reaction has been swift, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemning what he described as terrorist attacks on religious minorities and urging Syrian authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable.
The United Nations human rights chief expressed alarm at reports of summary executions and other violations, calling for swift action to protect civilians and ensure accountability.
“Entire families, including women and children, have reportedly been killed,” the UN stated, describing the situation as “extremely disturbing” and calling for thorough investigations.
Amnesty International has called on the Syrian government to take immediate action to protect civilians and ensure equal rights for all Syrians regardless of political affiliation.
The recent violence represents the most significant challenge to Syria’s new government since it came to power after opposition fighters led by HTS toppled Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Experts say the government’s response to these killings will be crucial for its ability to establish legitimacy and prevent further cycles of violence.
The leaders of Syria’s Christian churches and the Druze minority have joined in condemning the violence and calling for an end to the killings, highlighting fears among other religious minorities about their safety under the new government.
While the Syrian defense ministry claims the situation is now under control, monitors report that tensions remain high in the affected areas, raising concerns about the possibility of further violence.
Syria has been mired in conflict for more than a decade, with the war complicated by the involvement of foreign powers including Russia, Iran, Turkey, and the United States. The December 2024 fall of the Assad regime, which had been supported by Russia, Iran, and Iranian-backed Hezbollah, to a rapid offensive by Turkish-backed HTS forces marked a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
The latest outbreak of sectarian violence underscores the challenges facing Syria’s new leadership as it attempts to establish control over a deeply divided country and gain international recognition.
