Errified Alawites Flee Deadly Attacks in Syria

Hiding in Fear

For two days, Rihab Kamel and her family hid in their bathroom in Baniyas as armed men stormed their neighborhood, targeting Alawites. Terrified and fearing for their lives, they remained in darkness, hoping to avoid detection. When they finally managed to escape, they found the streets littered with corpses, a grim reminder of the brutal violence that had taken place. A Christian family sheltered them and later helped them reach the Lebanese border, where they hoped to find safety. Their story reflects the plight of many as Alawites flee deadly attacks in Syria, seeking refuge from escalating violence.

Violence Against Alawites

The violence erupted when gunmen loyal to former president Bashar al-Assad launched attacks on Syria’s new security forces, triggering a fierce battle that resulted in heavy casualties. The conflict quickly escalated, engulfing Alawite-majority areas in chaos. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 745 Alawite civilians were killed in Latakia and Tartus provinces. These numbers indicate the scale of the targeted attacks on Alawite communities, raising fears of ethnic and sectarian cleansing.

Fear of Reprisals

Bashar al-Assad, an Alawite himself, had long positioned himself as the protector of Syria’s religious minorities. However, with his regime toppled, the Alawite heartland is now facing deadly reprisals. The new authorities, led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, have promised an inclusive transition that respects the rights of all communities. Despite these assurances, many Alawites remain unconvinced, fearing revenge for the decades of Assad family rule. The uncertainty surrounding Syria’s future leaves them vulnerable to further attacks.

Survivors’ Accounts

Samir Haidar, a 67-year-old Alawite and former leftist opposition member, shared a chilling account of the violence. Though he had opposed the Assad regime and was imprisoned for over a decade, he still became a target. Armed groups stormed his neighborhood, killing two of his brothers and a nephew. He described how they executed men inside their homes and left bodies behind. Haidar barely managed to escape with his wife and children, saying he would have been killed if he had been just five minutes late. His story highlights the indiscriminate nature of the violence, affecting Alawites regardless of their political stance.

Mass Killings and Abductions

Residents in Latakia and Jableh have reported cases of mass killings and abductions. Armed groups allegedly stormed homes, dragged people away, and later executed them. In some instances, bodies were dumped in the streets, while others were disposed of in mass graves using bulldozers. Yasser Sabbouh, the head of a state-run cultural center, was among those abducted. His lifeless body was later found outside his home. One Jableh resident, speaking anonymously, described being trapped inside his home with his family, without electricity, water, or food for four days, fearing they would be next.

Alawites Seeking Refuge

As the violence continues, many Alawites are desperately seeking safety beyond Syria’s borders. Thousands have already fled to Lebanon, Turkey, and other neighboring countries. Jaafar Ali, a 32-year-old Alawite, fled to Lebanon with his brother and said he has no intention of returning anytime soon. He expressed a growing fear among Alawite refugees that they might never be able to go back home. Many are now calling on the international community to open humanitarian migration channels to help them rebuild their lives elsewhere.

A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding

The deadly attacks on Alawites mark one of the most severe sectarian crises in post-Assad Syria. With entire communities being displaced, families torn apart, and mass killings reported, the future for Syria’s Alawite population remains uncertain. As the world watches, many fear that without immediate intervention, the violence will only escalate, leaving thousands more dead or displaced.