Syrian forces reportedly kill over 300 Alawite civilians this week
What's the story
In a shocking development, over 300 Alawite civilians have been killed in Syria. The casualties have been blamed on security forces and their allies, who are battling militants loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said "311 Alawite civilians were killed in the coastal region... by security forces and allied groups."
This is one of the toughest phases for Syria's new authorities since Assad's ouster in December 2024.
Community clash
Alawite community faces intense confrontation
Assad's Alawite community is under intense confrontation from Syria's new authorities. The situation has become a major counter-operation in the ethnic group's Mediterranean heartland.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported these civilians were killed in "executions" by security personnel or allied groups and were accompanied by "looting of homes and properties."
Rising toll
Total casualties rise amid ongoing clashes
The civilian deaths mean that the overall toll has now reached 524, including 93 members of the new government's security forces and 120 pro-Assad fighters.
State news agency SANA reported that "deposed regime remnants" had attacked the national hospital in Latakia, a coastal city, and were engaged by the general security forces.
Meanwhile, Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa urged the insurgents to "lay down your weapons and surrender before it's too late."
Military response
Security operation launched amidst escalating violence
Syria's new authorities launched a sweeping security operation after clashes with Assad loyalists killed at least 71 people. The violence is the most significant challenge to their rule so far.
The "large-scale" operation is aimed at rooting out remnants of Assad's militias and those who supported them.
Security forces have been deployed to Latakia and Tartus, where a curfew has been imposed due to clashes between government forces and Assad loyalists.
Operation fallout
Civilian casualties reported amid security operation
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has said that the clashes have killed over 200 people.
This includes around 140 who were killed in apparent revenge attacks in the villages, at least 50 of Syria's government forces, and 45 fighters loyal to Assad.
The latest clashes were triggered when government forces tried to detain a wanted person near Jableh on Thursday and were ambushed by Assad loyalists.