Syrian security forces accused of killing hundreds of civilians in coastal violence

New Delhi, Mar 9: Syrian security forces have allegedly killed hundreds of civilians from the Alawite minority in a surge of violence along the country’s coast, according to a war monitoring group as reported by BBC.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that approximately 745 Alawite civilians were killed in a series of 30 "massacres" on Friday and Saturday.

The unrest has prompted hundreds to flee their homes in the coastal region, a stronghold of deposed president Bashar al-Assad, himself an Alawite.

According to SOHR, more than 1,000 people have been killed over the past two days in what is described as the deadliest violence in Syria since rebels ousted Assad in December. The death toll includes government forces and pro-Assad fighters, who have been engaged in clashes in Latakia and Tartous provinces since Thursday. The monitoring group reported that 125 members of the Islamist-led government security forces and 148 pro-Assad fighters were among those killed. Alawites, an offshoot of Shia Islam, constitute roughly 10% of Syria’s predominantly Sunni population.

A spokesperson for Syria’s defence ministry, speaking to the state-run Sana news agency, claimed that government forces had regained control following "treacherous attacks" on security personnel. Activists described widespread fear within the Alawite community, with many residents reportedly fleeing. Meanwhile, dozens of families have reportedly crossed into Lebanon to escape the violence, according to local media. UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen expressed deep concern over “very troubling reports of civilian casualties” in the coastal region. He urged all parties to avoid actions that could further destabilise the country and undermine efforts toward a "credible and inclusive political transition."