New Syrian Government’s Brutality: Hundreds of Civilians Reportedly Killed
The Syrian Observatory reports that nearly 340 civilians from the Alawite minority were killed by the new government in Syria. This is considered one of the bloodiest periods of the civil war, with the Alawite uprising gaining momentum. The newly established government is asserting control, garnering support from regional powers while grappling with the complexity of ongoing violence.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that nearly 340 civilians, including women and children from the Alawite minority, have been killed by the new Syrian government and its affiliates in a brief span. This alarming escalation represents one of the most severe episodes of violence in Syria’s ongoing civil conflict, as noted by Rami Abdulrahman, the Observatory’s head. The government claims to be combating loyalists of the ousted President Bashar al-Assad, also an Alawite.
Following the emergence of an Alawite uprising in Latakia and Tartus, believed to be led by former Assad army officers, significant violence erupted. A key figure, Ghiyas Dala, declared the formation of the “Military Council for the Liberation of Syria” on March 6. Notably, the Dala Brigade had previously been a prominent and brutal unit during the Assad regime, with Dala maintaining strong ties to Iran, Assad’s principal ally.
While acknowledging some violations during military actions against Assad’s supporters, the new government attributes blame for the violence to loosely organized armed factions acting independently. Disturbing videos of Alawite executions have surfaced on social media, showing numerous bodies in civilian attire, with unclear affiliations to either the uprising or civilian communities.
In a national address on March 7, President Ahmad al-Sharaa condemned the unrest in Latakia and Tartus, attributing it to remnants of the “overthrown regime” and pledging to eliminate these factions decisively. This call primarily targets various militant groups that, despite the regime’s fall, have not integrated into the new Ministry of Defense structures yet continue to support the authorities.
Regional powers, including Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, have voiced support for the actions taken by the new Syrian government in response to the unrest in Latakia and Tartus.
The regime led by Assad was overthrown on December 8, 2024, when opposition forces captured Damascus, prompting Assad to flee to Moscow. In the aftermath, Syrian rebels initiated the formation of a transitional government under the leadership of Muhammad Bashir, who formerly led the “Salvation Government” established in territories under opposition control.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, the head of the HTS rebel faction, remarked on the need for international sanctions relief, asserting that Syria now poses no threat to its neighbors or the Western world. At the end of January, the new government in Syria announced the dissolution of parliament, military factions, and political structures, with Ahmad al-Sharaa becoming the transitional president.
In summary, the heightened violence in Syria has resulted in the tragic loss of hundreds of civilian lives amidst the struggle between the new government and remnants of the Assad regime. The ongoing uprising has complicated the situation, with numerous casualties reported. With support from regional allies and a new transitional leadership, Syria embarks on a tumultuous path toward potential stabilization, albeit marked by severe humanitarian concerns.
Original Source: babel.ua
