The new Syrian government has been accused of killing 340 Alawite civilians amid violence linked to an uprising. The situation escalated with significant military implications following the overthrow of Assad’s regime. The transitional government is forming amidst international support while addressing human rights concerns and military governance challenges.
Human rights activists have documented the killing of nearly 340 civilians, primarily women and children from the Alawite minority, by the new Syrian government. This violence marks one of the most severe outbreaks during Syria’s 13-year civil war, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group. Rami Abdulrahman, its head, reported that the government claims to be combating supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, an Alawite himself.
The conflict escalated with an Alawite uprising in Latakia and Tartus, allegedly led by former officers from Assad’s army. Ghiyas Dala announced the formation of the “Military Council for the Liberation of Syria” on March 6. The Dala Brigade was noted for its brutal effectiveness during the Assad regime’s tenure from 2014 to 2020, and Dala maintains strong ties with Iran, Assad’s key ally.
The new government has acknowledged “violations” during its crackdown, attributing responsibility to disorganized armed supporters and criminals amidst the chaos. Disturbing videos of Alawite executions have emerged on social media, making it difficult to determine whether the individuals depicted are insurgents or civilians.
On March 7, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa addressed the situation, blaming the violence on “gangs of the overthrown regime” and promising to eradicate these groups. He called for unity among various military factions, which, although not officially integrated into the new Ministry of Defense, are aligned with the new authorities.
Support for the new Syrian government has come from Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, particularly in response to actions in Latakia and Tartus. The Assad regime was overthrown on December 8, 2024, when opposition forces captured Damascus, prompting Assad to flee to Moscow.
The Syrian rebels are now forming a transitional government led by Muhammad Bashir, previously of the “Salvation Government,” established in 2017 in opposition-controlled areas. Ahmad al-Sharaa of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has emphasized that Syria, weary from years of conflict, poses no threat to its neighbors or Western countries, advocating for the removal of international sanctions directed at the former Assad regime.
In late January, the new Syrian government announced the dissolution of parliament and all military and political factions. Ahmad al-Sharaa has assumed the role of de facto leader and is set to be the president during this transitional period.
The new Syrian government faces severe accusations following the violent crackdown on civilians during the recent Alawite uprising. The deaths of hundreds of Alawite civilians heighten concerns about human rights violations in Syria’s ongoing conflict. International support arises as the transitional government takes steps to consolidate power amidst a complex web of alliances and military factions, notably in the wake of the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Original Source: babel.ua
