The ongoing crisis in Syria has brought to light the harrowing ordeals faced by the Alawite community, victims of intense ethnic violence and near-genocidal conditions. Eyewitnesses describe chilling “Alawite-Hunting Safaris,” where community members are pursued and killed, further exacerbating the region’s deep-rooted sectarian rifts. What do these witness accounts reveal about the escalating situation, and what actions are being taken or ignored?
Ethnic Targeting and Systematic Violence
Islamist militias in Syria have committed massacres and ethnic cleansing, predominantly targeting the Alawite community. Such acts have been reported in coastal cities like Baniyas, Tartus, Jableh, and Lattakia. Over 6000 foreign fighters, hailing from countries such as Chechnya, Uzbekistan, and Turkey, contributed to these attacks. The violence erupted following the fall of Assad’s regime, allowing HTS, rebranded as Al Sharaa and led by Al Jolani, to seize power.
Alawite families fleeing renewed violence in Syria are now seeking refuge in Lebanon. The once-dominant minority group, about 10% of the population, has come under attack by Sunni militants after the ouster of the Assad regime, mainly ruled by Alawitespic.twitter.com/c9IYixEf9q
— Alfons López Tena 🦇 (@alfonslopeztena) March 13, 2025
Survivors recount the horror of systematic killings, where individuals are identified and murdered based on their Alawite identity. Bodies disposed of in the sea and destroyed homes amplify the catastrophe. The threat of jihad calls reverberating from local mosques has only heightened sectarian tensions.
Regional and International Dynamics
Global complexities contribute to this brutal conflict. Some attribute the escalation to U.S. regime change strategies in Syria, dating back to the Obama administration, with operations like “Operation Timber Sycamore” heightening instability. Allegations claim Qatar and Turkey, with Washington’s alleged backing, provide financial and military support to the militants. The international response has been minimal, leading to skepticism about the effectiveness of an announced fact-finding committee.
Fr. Benedict Kiely on the Alawite religious minority community being slaughtered in Syria: “ So after there's a massacre of Alawites, usually the Christians get attacked, and that's what everyone is very concerned about.” @worldoverlive pic.twitter.com/SnerE6NDn3
— The World Over Streaming (@WorldOverDC) March 14, 2025
“In 2011 Barack Obama put his signature on a covert operation by the CIA to destabilize and remove Assad from power…” – Kevork Almassian.
Despite the dire situation, survivors continue to recount their fears of constant threat, even being unable to hold funerals due to fear of identification. HTS reportedly undermines the UN’s attempts at oversight through threats and bribes.
Imperative Global Response
An immediate and comprehensive global response is crucial as the shadows of genocide loom over the Alawite community and other minorities, such as Greek Orthodox Christians. Eyewitness accounts serve as an urgent call to prioritize humanitarian intervention and accountability for these gross human rights violations.
“The Al Sharaa administration announced the formation of an independent fact-finding committee to investigate the killings, no one is above the law” – Yasser Farhan.
Witnesses and survivors echo this call, sharing stories of personal loss and survival amidst ethnic violence. The world must listen, understand, and take decisive action before the region plunges deeper into chaos.
