Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Syria’s minority populations, especially Alawites, are confronting a wave of sectarian violence, with targeted killings and kidnappings creating an atmosphere of terror and raising concerns about their safety in the new political landscape.
In recent months, a pattern of deadly attacks has emerged, particularly in regions like Homs and the Valley of Christians. Masked assailants on motorbikes have carried out drive-by shootings and abductions, often targeting individuals based on their sectarian identity. For instance, in October, two Christian cousins, Wissam and Shafiq Mansour, were shot dead while socializing in their village, highlighting the vulnerability of communities that once supported Assad. The killer struck without warning, speeding away on a motorbike, a method that has become familiar in areas where Syria’s fragile unity is eroding.
The fear is palpable among Alawites, who make up about 10% of Syria’s population and were historically aligned with the regime. Interviews with survivors and families reveal deep-seated anxiety about retribution, even for those who opposed Assad. Adnan Al Ezzeldin, whose brother Shaaban was killed in Homs, stated that people are being murdered simply for being Alawites, emphasizing that his brother had no involvement in regime atrocities. He believes these acts are intended to force emigration and destabilize coexistence, echoing concerns from other Alawites who feel collectively punished for the crimes of a few.
Accounts from Tartus, an Alawite stronghold, describe harassment and violence at checkpoints operated by groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Young men like Ali report being beaten and insulted due to their sect, despite seeking amnesty as former soldiers. This climate of fear is exacerbated by unverified videos on social media, though officials deny systematic targeting and attribute incidents to isolated actors. Many Alawites, including those who suffered under Assad, now live in constant dread of retribution, with some destroying family photos to avoid suspicion.
Human rights organizations estimate that dozens of Alawites have been killed in Homs alone between June and October, with victims including students, farmers, and even a 14-year-old girl, Ghina, shot on her balcony. The Syrian Network for Human Rights notes that most attacks are acts of revenge against perceived regime collaborators, but the scale is hard to assess due to underreporting and fear. Cross-checking local media and ground contacts suggests at least 40 Alawites died in Homs during this period, with similar patterns of violence affecting other minorities.
Syria’s interim government has pledged to protect all citizens, with Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais promising trials for those involved in earlier sectarian massacres. However, on the ground, many minorities feel abandoned, with little faith in the new authorities’ ability to ensure security. The lack of arrests in cases like Ghina’s killing or the Mansour cousins’ murders underscores the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators, leaving families to grieve without justice.
The ongoing violence threatens to deepen sectarian divides and could lead to mass emigration of minorities, further destabilizing the country. As families mourn their loved ones and consider fleeing, the hope for a unified Syria seems increasingly distant. The international community is called upon to monitor the situation and support efforts for reconciliation and justice, but for now, fear dictates daily life for many Syrians.
