2 days of clashes, revenge killings in Syria leave more than 1,000 people dead

Beirut: Clashes between Syrian security forces and loyalists of ousted President Bashar Assad, along with subsequent revenge killings, have resulted in over 1,000 deaths in just two days, marking one of the deadliest episodes of violence since the Syrian conflict began 14 years ago. The violence escalated after insurgents, who removed Assad from power three months ago, faced increasing opposition from remnants of Assad’s forces. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 745 civilians, 125 government security personnel, and 148 militants affiliated with Assad’s forces were killed. Large areas around the city of Latakia also faced power and water outages.

The violence intensified with revenge killings by Sunni Muslim gunmen loyal to the new government, targeting members of the minority Alawite sect, which had been a key support base for Assad. In several Alawite villages, homes were looted and set on fire, and gunmen shot Alawites, mostly men, in the streets or at their homes. Many Alawites have fled to nearby mountains for safety, fearing further violence. The situation has led to widespread displacement and panic, with reports of atrocities committed against civilians.

In Baniyas, a coastal town heavily impacted by the violence, residents spoke of bodies left unburied in the streets and on building roofs. Ali Sheha, a local resident, described scenes of gunmen preventing people from removing the bodies of their neighbors for hours. Many of the victims were killed at close range in their homes and shops. Sheha described the attacks as "revenge killings" for the actions of Assad’s government. Some of the attackers were reportedly foreign fighters and militants from nearby areas.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights labeled the killings as one of the most significant massacres in the ongoing conflict. While the revenge killings stopped early on Saturday, the overall death toll continued to rise, with reports indicating mass graves in the central village of Tuwaym where 31 victims, including children and women, were buried. The Syrian government has claimed control over much of the affected areas and imposed restrictions on movement to restore stability, but the situation remains tense.

The international community, including France, has condemned the violence. France expressed deep concern over the religiously motivated atrocities and called for independent investigations. Meanwhile, many Alawites have sought refuge in neighboring Lebanon, with reports of people sheltering at the Russian air base in Hmeimim. Lebanese legislator Haidar Nasser urged protection for Alawites in Syria, many of whom have been dismissed from their jobs or killed after the fall of Assad.