Violence has erupted anew in western Syria since Thursday, March 6, 2025, casting shadows over hopes for peace following the fall of former President Bachar al-Assad. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (OSDH) reported on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at least 830 Alawite civilians lost their lives due to clashes with Syrian security forces and associated groups, contributing to over 1,311 total fatalities, including 481 security personnel and fighters loyal to Assad.
The unrest began following a bloody ambush on a security convoy on Thursday evening, which left 16 security personnel dead. It appeared to be set off by tensions between Assad loyalists and the new regime's forces, spiraling quickly out of control. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as violence spread from the mountainous areas to urban centers, with armed groups executing deadly assaults against civilians, particularly those associated with the Alawite community.
On the ground, chilling accounts of the violence emerged. Rihab Kamel, 35, described hiding with her family for two days, terrified as armed men sought out Alawites. “We turned off the lights and hid,” she recounted from temporary refuge near the Lebanese border, recalling grim scenes of dead bodies littering the streets as they fled their home.
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed alarm over reports indicating whole families had been killed during these attacks. Videos circulated on social media depicted alarming scenes, including civilians piled up and, according to reports, confirmed killings motivated by sectarian loyalties.
After the initial violence, interim President Ahmad al-Chareh addressed the nation, calling for civil peace and unity. He announced the establishment of an independent inquiry commission to investigate the violence and hold accountable those responsible for atrocities against civilians, emphasizing the need for national unity amid the rising tensions.
Despite these efforts, conditions worsened. Reports indicated widespread executions, and the OSDH documented at least 745 Alawite civilians killed by Sunday as harrowing testimonies described systematic purging of entire families.
The international community reacted swiftly, condemning the attacks. France voiced strong disapproval, calling for independent investigations and accountability for the perpetrators. A statement released on Saturday urged the transitional authorities to prevent any attacks against civilians, particularly those based on sectarian grounds.
Germany also expressed outrage over the situation, calling the information 'shocking' and holding the transitional government responsible for preventing new assaults and ensuring justice. By the end of the weekend, UN officials were demanding immediate cessation of violence skirmishes.
U.S. officials joined the outcry, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling on Syrian authorities to prosecute those responsible for the killings, particularly highlighting the need for accountability against the backdrop of rising hostilities toward minority communities.
On the local front, reports of kidnappings complemented the narrative of violence. Residents from Lattaquié reported alarming incidents where armed groups targeted Alawites, with bodies found discarded after abductions—one such victim was Yasser Sabbouh, director of the local House of Culture.
Eyewitness accounts from Banias presented equally gruesome realities. Individuals shared harrowing tales of survival, noting family members killed almost on sight by armed factions under the pretext of rooting out 'enemies of the state'. Halima, who witnessed her grandfather's execution, lamented the violence, asking rhetorically what crime children could have possibly committed.
This latest spate of violence marks the most significant flare-up since the regime change on December 8, 2024. The Alawite minority, historically aligned with Assad's rule, now finds themselves under relentless assault by groups with hostile intentions.
The situation is compounded by the historical backdrop—decades of sectarian divisions and civil strife have left the Syrian community fragile. This upheaval highlights both the unfulfilled promises of peace and stability following Assad's ousting and the dire repercussions of sectarianism festering unchecked. Observers note the latent tensions on the coast are giving way to fears of broader conflict.
Al-Chareh's mandate as interim president is already under scrutiny, as the divisions within his own allies raise concerns about the possibility of sustaining a unified governance framework. He has called for restraint from armed factions, attempting to bridge sectarian divides, but whether these initiatives can secure lasting peace remains uncertain.
Internationally, calls to action intensified on Sunday, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urging European allies to halt any gestures of legitimacy toward the Syrian transitional government until the violence ceases. The notion of tacit approval was labeled dangerously naïve amid reports of overwhelming bloodshed against minority groups.
The chaos sparked by Assad's absence reaffirms the fragility of Syria's socio-political fabric as violence permeates various communities. The spotlight remains on the Syrian interim authorities as they grapple with maintaining control amid pressures; their propensity to act decisively against violence will determine the next steps toward healing this beleaguered nation.