Protests by members of the Alawite community erupted this week across various Syrian cities, marking increased unrest as the country grapples with power struggles following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. These developments have raised concerns about potential sectarian violence as the newly established authorities, led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), attempt to assert control and restore civility.
The protests began after the circulation of an old video showing the vandalism of an important Alawite shrine in Aleppo, which, though dated, sparked outrage among the community. Protests took place not only in Homs, but also spilled over to neighborhoods like Mezzeh 86 in Damascus, Latakia, and Tartus. Security forces quickly moved to implement checkpoints within Alawite-majority areas, searching vehicles and IDs. "These guys were young boys when they took them in the green buses, and they were crying," noted Wardeh Mohammed, recalling the history of forced deportations during the Assad regime.
Among the unrest, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham deployed fighters to disperse crowds, defusing the situation with some success after addressing community leaders. Alawis expressed anxiety over their safety, skeptical about whether the new administration would genuinely protect minority groups. A shared sentiment emerged—both fear and hope for civil peace. "We want him [Ahmed al-Sharaa] to make us feel safe, to speak to us as Syrians," stated Alaa Mohammed from Mezzeh 86, encapsulating the longing for reassurance amid chaos.
Adding tension to the volatile situation, pro-Assad factions carried out ambushes resulting in the deaths of security personnel affiliated with the new government. This incident, according to interior minister Mohammed Abdul Rahman, revealed enduring loyalties to the former regime and highlighted the risks of retaliatory processes. Clashes have implicated layers of the new government as they attempt to bring justice against those loyal to al-Assad, such as Mohammed Kanjou al-Hassan, previously accused of human rights violations.
Intriguingly, as the protests gained momentum, residents began to note the role of disinformation campaigns aimed at inflaming sectarian discord. Nora al-Jezawi, from the fact-checking organization Verify Syria, pointed out, "There is a connection between accounts linked to Russia, Iran, people who are pro-Hezbollah and the regime's electronic army…". This concerted effort creates confusion and fear, hampering the fragile peace being established.
Meanwhile, Alawis have reflected on their historical sacrifices for the regime, with many stating they had lost friends and family members fighting on behalf of Assad. Ali, a fitness coach from Mezzeh 86, expressed painful recognition of these past conflicts: "We are Syrians like everyone else, but someone is trying to tear us apart," illustrating the internal struggle felt within minority communities. His statement captures the disillusionment felt by many Alawis, who are wresting with their identity as both victims and perpetrators during the turmoil.
The HTS leadership, pledging to uphold the rights of all ethnic and religious minorities, has faced skepticism within the Alawite community. After the protests resumed on Wednesday night, the transitional government announced curfews and required police control to stabilize the streets, yet the deep-rooted fears resonate loudly across community gatherings.
"We had been told we had to fight for Assad because otherwise our community would be slaughtered..." Ali indicated, reflecting the pervasive fear inculcated during Assad's reign. This narrative remains entrenched, complicatively echoing amid insecurity caused by faded loyalties of the loyalist militia.
On one hand, residents of areas witnessing reforms are eager to embrace newfound stability through HTS’s governance, as younger generations who had previously faced displacement have returned, taking on new roles as security personnel. Yet, the community continues to grapple with their experiences of past conflicts and uncertainty about the future as sectarian lines seem to blur dangerously.
The potential for violence remains palpable, as several factions coalesce within Homs and surrounding areas. “What happened yesterday shows some people want to take the country backwards,” expressed Ahmad al-Bayyaa, underscoring the fragility of the peace achieved since Assad's fall. Following 14 years of relentless civil war, Syria stands at another crossroads; individuals desire coexistence but fear the repercussions of continued unrest from both internal strife and external influences.
The recent series of events has demonstrated both the opportunities and challenges faced by the new leadership. While strides have been made toward establishing stability, the community's sense of mistrust and uncertainty casts shadows over these optimistic beginnings. For many Alawites and other minority groups, reassurance from new authorities—coupled with the accountability for past atrocities—will be instrumental for Syria's path forward. The future remains uncertain as the complex heritage of sectarianism engages with the aspirations for peace and true healing across Syria, echoing the voices lost and the bonds formed during these tumultuous times.
