Alawite community faces ongoing violence in Syria

In Syria, a wave of violence has continued to threaten the safety of Alawite civilians, particularly following a series of revenge attacks that occurred in March 2025. This violence has left hundreds of Alawite individuals dead and has spawned an atmosphere of fear among the members of this religious minority. Reports indicate that the Alawites, previously seen as a privileged group under the regime of Bashar Assad, now face targeted attacks due to the political shift caused by Assad's government's fall late last year. Despite the absence of large-scale violence after March, the situation remains dire for Alawites who are subjected to harassment and violence on a smaller scale. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has documented the assassination of more than 1,700 people in March alone, most of whom were civilians. The victims of these attacks include individuals who had previously opposed Assad's regime, thus highlighting the ongoing sectarian tensions and fear among the Alawite population, who feel increasingly isolated in a post-Assad Syria. In the coastal region, particularly in Latakia, people like an Alawite factory worker have fallen victim to violence while simply going about their daily lives. A reported 20-year-old who had never served in Assad's army was shot at a checkpoint by guards he had casually greeted many times before. This incident reflects the growing peril and uncertainty that many Alawite families now face. Witnesses and activists express concerns over the growing animosity against Alawites, where blame is often assigned indiscriminately, often rooted in a wider historical context of sectarian violence within the region. The ongoing conflict has led tens of thousands of Alawite Syrians to flee to nearby Lebanon in search of safety. Over the past month, approximately 30,000 Alawites have crossed into Lebanon through unofficial routes. Many have faced difficulties upon arrival, as little support is available to help them settle in their new communities. The exodus has resulted in a scattering across 30 towns and villages in northern Lebanon, where fear keeps many from contemplating a return to their homeland even when the situation allows. The persistent violence against Alawites poses significant challenges to the interim government's reputation and promises of protection to all sects and ethnic groups within Syria. The hope that Assad's regime falling would lead to enhanced safety and security for diverse communities has sadly not come to fruition, as violence continues to dog the Alawite minority. The government's commitment to ensuring safety remains under scrutiny, as few arrests have been made, and investigations into the violence have yet to produce visible results.