Alawites Face Escalating Persecution in Syria

The Alawite community in Syria is enduring a dire situation marked by violence and persecution. Sunni rebel groups have been targeting Alawites through murders, fights, and executions. The interim government appears either incapable or unwilling to halt these massacres, with warlords often defying orders from Damascus. Alawite underground attacks on security forces are cited as triggers for increased hostilities. Prominent militias like the Suleiman Shah Brigade and the Hamsa Division have been implicated, with their leaders labeled as war criminals. The actual number of victims is believed to be much higher than official reports suggest.

Under the new regime, many Alawite officials, doctors, and teachers have lost their jobs, forcing some former officers to go underground. Sunni mosque preachers are calling for increased participation in the fight against supporters of the old regime. The situation is further exacerbated by concerns from other minorities such as Christians and Druze, who fear similar fates. Although a deal with Syrian Kurds exists, it does not alleviate these fears.

In response to the violence, thousands of Alawites have sought refuge at a Russian military base, fleeing massacres in cities like Jableh and surrounding villages. The international community, including entities like Human Rights Watch, is urged to investigate these violations and hold perpetrators accountable. The plight of Alawites is a stark reminder of the broader sectarian tensions in Syria, with the potential for the violence to spread to other minority communities, such as the Christians, who have already seen their numbers drastically reduced since the onset of the civil war.