Clashes between Islamist factions and loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad erupted recently, leading to the deaths of six Islamic fighters, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The conflict arose during attempts by fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to apprehend a former official from Assad’s regime accused of executing arbitrary rulings against prisoners. The situation reflects the growing instability and sectarian violence as the country transitions following Assad's fall.
The reported skirmishes occurred Wednesday as part of HTS's operations following the recent ouster of Assad, which had unfolded relatively smoothly over the preceding weeks. Activists indicate the aftermath of Assad's flight from power has already seen revenge killings targeting members of the Alawite community, to which Assad belongs. According to SOHR, these hostilities are not isolated; they mark the beginning of what has the potential to be significant sectarian violence throughout the country.
Instances of unrest have sparked violent confrontations, particularly between Alawite demonstrators and Sunni counter-protesters, with reports of gunfire heard amid chaotic scenes. HTS’s imposition of curfews and claims of the burning of Alawite shrines have only heightened the stakes. At least one protestor died and five others sustained injuries as HTS forces suppressed demonstrations in Homs. The Alawites, who faced open hostility since the regime's downfall, organized protests demanding the release of former soldiers imprisoned by HTS.
Although the HTS has promised to forge a governance system inclusive of various religious communities, their fundamentalist roots incite skepticism among the minorities—including Christians and Druse—who fear prosecution under this potential regime. Ahmad al-Sharaa, HTS’s leader who once aligned himself with al-Qaida, pledges to protect minorities, yet trust is frail as former regime members face varying degrees of reprisal.
One significant aspect of these events is the arrest of al-Hassan, a high-ranking military official, alongside 20 others during security operations aimed at rooting out leftover Assad loyalists. His arrest, as detailed by SOHR, marks the highest-profile move since HTS's offensive. Al-Hassan, responsible for torture and thousands of death sentences issued during his leadership of the military court, had previously been sanctioned for repressing civilians. His captors are attempting to establish accountability for the systematic violence practiced by the former regime.
The latest turmoil raised urgent calls for mechanisms to hold erstwhile officials accountable. NGOs involved with the assassination and imprisonment narratives have highlighted the need for independent investigations as HTS attempts to gain legitimacy. Despite these claims, protests among Alawites over the sectarian video incident reflect the challenges HTS faces to unify the diverse populace.
With sectarian demonstrations erupting across regions, including coastal areas and major cities like Homs, fears escalate over potential escalations of violence. The interim Ministry of Information’s recent ban on publishing sectarian content indicates the precarious position the new authorities find themselves, attempting to manage the tightrope of governance without exacerbations leading to broader conflict.
Interestingly, alongside these unrests, some Syrians displaced during the civil war are attempting to return home and rebuild their lives, faced with the bitter surprises of devastation. Homes once filled with memories now stand as skeletons of their former selves. Hajjah Zakia Daemessaid, 62, described the heartbreaking sight of her dream dissolved after 43 years of laboring for her home’s construction.
Across the region, residents of Idlib and surrounding areas are tentatively repairing their lives, sealing broken windows and fixing shops, eager to reclaim their previous semblance of normalcy. Despite HTS’s control over Idlib, the remnants of conflict continue to mark the lives of its residents.
The volatile climate surrounding these recent events stirs concerns of how HTS will transition from insurgency to governance, especially against the backdrop of their fundamentalist ideology. Sectarian graph displayed post-Assad era remains fickle; the quest for true unity, alongside public accountability, looms vast and uncertain.
