Abductions of Alawite Women in Syria Spark Fear Amid Ongoing Unrest

Abductions of Alawite Women in Syria Spark Fear Amid Ongoing Unrest
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At least 33 Alawite women and girls have been abducted or forcibly disappeared in Syria since the beginning of this year, according to families who spoke to Reuters. The missing women, aged between 16 and 39, were mostly taken from coastal areas where the Alawite community is concentrated. Some families have received ransom demands, while others remain in the dark about their loved ones’ fate.

One case involves Abir Suleiman, 29, who vanished on May 21 in Safita. Her family says they paid a $15,000 ransom after threats from her captors to kill her or traffic her. They have not heard from her since. The abductions come amid rising violence and instability following the collapse of the previous government, with armed groups linked to the new administration accused of raids and forced displacement targeting Alawite families.

The UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria has confirmed at least six cases this spring and is investigating more. Syrian authorities deny any systematic campaign, attributing disappearances to domestic disputes or voluntary flight, and say security measures are in place. Activists warn that the targeting of Alawite women aims to sow fear and division, echoing past atrocities against minorities in Syria and Iraq. Families, meanwhile, cling to hope for their safe return.