Hundreds of civilians, predominantly from the Alawite community, have been killed in Syria’s coastal region following a wave of violence that erupted on March 6.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 1,383 civilians have lost their lives, with the number expected to rise as documentation continues.
The killings, which took place in several Alawite-populated areas, have raised concerns about sectarian reprisals following the fall of the previous government in December 2024.
The deadliest incidents occurred on March 7 and 8, when security forces and allied armed groups carried out mass executions, targeting entire families. Reports indicate that some victims were executed at close range, while others were killed in public displays of violence. Footage circulating on social media allegedly shows piles of bodies and executions carried out by extremist groups.
The violence has drawn international condemnation, with human rights organizations calling for an independent investigation. European officials have urged a peaceful transition and warned against targeting civilians.
Meanwhile, Syria’s new authorities have pledged to hold those responsible accountable, though concerns remain over whether the government can rein in the militias involved in the massacres.
Residents fear further attacks, with thousands fleeing into neighboring Lebanon to escape the bloodshed. The ongoing violence has also complicated efforts to lift international sanctions on Syria, as the international community weighs concerns over human rights abuses.
With sectarian tensions at a breaking point, the recent massacres mark one of the deadliest episodes in Syria’s conflict since the fall of the former government, raising fears of further instability and prolonged unrest.
