UN Condemns Violence in North-West Syria as Entire Families Reportedly Killed
In a devastating escalation of violence in north-west Syria, reports indicate that entire families have been killed amid clashes between security forces and loyalists of the ousted Assad regime, marking the highest death toll since the onset of the Syrian revolution in 2011.
The UN’s human rights commissioner, Volker Türk, has called for urgent investigations into these “extremely disturbing” incidents, emphasizing the need for accountability for the killings of civilians, including women and children.
The violence erupted on Thursday when Assad loyalists ambushed security forces in Jableh, Latakia province, triggering retaliatory attacks against civilians, particularly from the minority Alawite sect. Over the weekend, renewed clashes occurred following assaults on security personnel at a power plant in Banias. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that more than 1,000 individuals have died in the violence, with significant civilian casualties. An adviser to Syria’s foreign ministry estimated that 4,000 Assad loyalists were involved in the attacks.
The wave of revenge killings, mostly targeting Alawites, by Syrian security forces in Syria’s coastal communities has struck fear into the Alawite community. The Syrian coast is heavily populated by the sect, from which the deposed Syrian president hailed, though most Alawites were not associated with the Assad regime.
In response to the crisis, Syria’s transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, described the situation as part of “expected challenges” and called for national unity. The Syrian presidency has since formed a seven-member committee to investigate the civilian and security force deaths, promising a report within 30 days.
Internationally, the US and Russia have requested a closed-door UN Security Council meeting to address the escalating violence. Rights organizations stress the importance of transitional justice and inclusive governance to prevent further bloodshed. The recent violence poses significant challenges for Syria’s new authorities as they seek to navigate international sanctions and ensure the protection of minority communities amid rising tensions.
