Syria’s acting leader, Ahmed El Sharaa, made a plea for national unity on Tuesday as reports continue to surface detailing escalating violence adn targeted killings in regions historically loyal to former leader Bashar al Assad.This call for unity comes amid growing concerns over sectarian tensions following Assad’s removal from power last year. The recent clashes have allegedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians belonging to the Alawite religious minority, reportedly at the hands of the new government’s security forces. The Alawite community, a branch of Shia Islam, has faced increasing vulnerability, prompting a deeper examination of their beliefs and history within Syria.

The situation has prompted analysts to revisit earlier warnings that the swift collapse of Assad’s regime could trigger deep sectarian divisions within the country. The Alawites,who represent a notable minority,are now at the center of a complex and dangerous power struggle.

the Alawites: From Persecution to Power

The Alawite religious minority, a branch of Shia Islam, traces its origins back to Syria during the ninth and tenth centuries. The term “Alawite” signifies “follower of Ali,” referring to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. This connection to Ali is a central tenet of their faith, aligning them wiht Shia Muslims who beleive Ali was the rightful successor to Muhammad.

Despite facing historical persecution,including during the Crusades,the Alawite community rose to prominence during the Assad family’s dynastic rule,which spanned over 50 years before its dramatic end in 2024. The Alawites constitute approximately 10% of Syria’s population, making them the second-largest religious group after Sunni Muslims. Their presence is primarily concentrated in the Syrian coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus,with smaller communities also residing in Türkiye,Iraq,and Lebanon. This geographic concentration has historically shaped their identity and influence within the region.

Following a coup d’état in 1970 led by Hafez al-Assad, the Alawites solidified their control over key Syrian institutions and the nation’s security apparatus. Their practices,which include celebrating Christmas and the Zoroastrian New Year,remain largely unknown even to many muslims.Some Muslims in the Middle East view Alawites as either very liberal or even secular. Under the Assad regime, women where not compelled to wear the hijab, and many chose not to observe fasting or prayers. Some Muslims even consider Alawites a heretical sect.This divergence in religious practices has contributed to misunderstandings and, at times, animosity.

The influence and control the Alawite sect wielded over the levers of power in Syria vanished almost overnight after Assad fled to Russia in December of last year. This sudden shift in power dynamics has left the community vulnerable and exposed to potential retribution.

The Motives Behind the Recent Killings

The deposed leader of Syria, Bashar al Assad, is himself an Alawite. He also allegedly favored and promoted the appointment of Alawites within the Syrian Army and security forces, which have been accused of brutality against the Sunni majority, according to human rights organizations. This perceived favoritism has fueled resentment and contributed to the current wave of violence.

Though, it’s significant to note that many Alawites have also reported facing persecution under the Assad regime, especially if they opposed his government. This highlights the complexity of the situation and the fact that not all members of the Alawite community were beneficiaries of Assad’s rule.

The current surge in violence began last week after loyalists to Assad, who have refused to surrender their weapons, ambushed security forces in the coastal cities of Latakia and Jableh, resulting in the deaths of dozens of officers. Ghiath Dallah, a former brigade commander in Assad’s army, has announced a new rebellion against the current government, proclaiming the establishment of the Military Council for the Liberation of Syria. This act of defiance has further destabilized the region and fueled the ongoing conflict.

Reports suggest that former security officials from the Assad regime, who have resisted surrendering their arms, are forming a resistance group in the mountains. The attacks targeting the Alawite community are believed to be acts of retaliation carried out by the current Syrian security forces. This cycle of violence and retribution threatens to further destabilize the region and exacerbate sectarian tensions.

Local residents have indicated that the majority of the alawite community has refused to participate in these resistance groups, placing blame on Dallah and other Assad loyalists. As the onset of the killings, hundreds of individuals have reportedly fled their homes in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, which were previously strongholds of support for Assad. The displacement of these communities underscores the severity of the situation and the fear that grips the region.

Eyewitness accounts from local residents describe scenes of looting and mass murders, including the killing of children, with bodies left in the streets. While verification of the total number of casualties remains challenging, a monitoring group based in the United Kingdom claims that at least 1,200 civilians died in “massacres” against Alawites on the west coast between Friday and Saturday of last week. These reports paint a grim picture of the violence and the human cost of the conflict.

The Syrian Observatory of Human Rights reports that approximately 231 members of the security forces and 250 pro-Assad fighters have also been killed in the ongoing clashes.This indicates the widespread nature of the conflict and the heavy toll it is indeed taking on all sides.

Over 1,200 civilians—mostly Alawites—reportedly perished in recent massacres in Syria. This isn’t simply a power struggle; it’s a deep-seated sectarian conflict with ancient roots and global implications.

Interviewer: Dr. Elias Vance, renowned expert on Middle eastern politics and religious minorities, welcome to World today News. The recent violence targeting Syria’s Alawite community has shocked the world. Can you provide context for this tragic situation?

Dr. Vance: “thank you for having me.The current violence against Alawites stems from a complex interplay of historical grievances, political power shifts, and deep-rooted sectarian tensions. Understanding the Alawite community’s unique position within Syrian society is crucial.They are a Shia Muslim minority, representing approximately 10% of the population, concentrated primarily in coastal regions like Latakia and Tartus. Their distinct beliefs and practices, frequently enough misunderstood by the broader Sunni Muslim majority, have historically fuelled both inclusion and exclusion.”

Interviewer: The Assad regime, dominated by Alawites, fell last year. Many expected chaos. How did this power vacuum contribute to the current crisis?

Dr. Vance: “The Assad regime’s fall created a volatile power vacuum that unleashed pre-existing sectarian fault lines. The alawites,who held disproportionate power within the military and security apparatus under Assad,suddenly found themselves vulnerable. The swift collapse didn’t just remove a political leadership; it destabilized the very fabric of communal relations. The swift removal of the Assad government triggered a complex chain reaction: Loyalists refused to disarm, leading to clashes with the new government that ultimately resulted in the targeting of the Alawite community. This wasn’t merely a political transition; it was a shift in the balance of power that exposed inherent tensions.”

Interviewer: The image of Alawites fleeing their homes is heartbreaking. What are the underlying causes of this displacement and the escalating violence?

Dr. Vance: “The displacement and violence against Alawites can partly be attributed to revenge attacks by those who suffered under the Assad regime’s oppression. Human rights groups documented extensive human rights abuses—primarily against Sunni Muslims—during the Assad years. While many Alawites were loyal to the regime, some were also victims, particularly those who opposed Assad’s policies.This makes it difficult to paint a simple picture of collective guilt: the complexity of the situation must be acknowledged. We also see the emergence of new power dynamics, with those who actively fought against the Assad regime now in positions of authority. this has created fertile ground for retribution against perceived collaborators or members of the formerly dominant group, leading to a cycle of violence.”

Interviewer: The Alawites’ unique religious identity has frequently been brought up. How significant is this factor in the current conflict?

Dr. Vance: “The Alawite religious identity is integral to understanding their vulnerability.their faith, a branch of Shia Islam, distinguishes them from the Sunni majority. Their distinct beliefs and practices, including the party of Christmas and the zoroastrian New year, have frequently enough led to misunderstanding and the perception of a ‘heretical sect.’ This perception, fueled sometimes by prejudice or lack of information, has stoked resentment and contributed to their persecution historically as well as in current times.”

Interviewer: What can be done to resolve this conflict and prevent further violence?

Dr. Vance: “This requires a multi-pronged approach. First, there’s an urgent need for a transitional justice mechanism to address historical grievances without fueling further cycles of revenge. secondly, focusing on reconciliation and inter-communal dialog is crucial, which shoudl promote a shared narrative based on a better understanding of the Alawite faith and background within the broader Syrian community. International pressure to support a stable and inclusive political system, providing security and justice for all, is critical to prevent further such tragedies.“

Interviewer: Dr. Vance, thank you for providing such crucial insights into this crisis.

Dr. Vance: “The events unfolding in Syria highlight a crucial need for understanding complex sectarian dynamics, tolerance, and the importance of creating a truly inclusive societal structure that protects the rights and dignity of all communities. It’s a long and difficult road ahead.”

Concluding Thought: The plight of Syria’s Alawites underscores the devastating consequences of religious intolerance and political instability. there is hope for reconciliation in this seemingly insurmountable conflict if we take the steps laid out by experts such as Dr. Vance. What are your thoughts? Share your comments below and join the ongoing conversation.