Who are Alawites and why they are being butchered in this Muslim country? Experts say revenge…, Sunni population…

About 745 civilians are dead, most of them were shot at close range.

Alawites revenge: The future of the Alawite community in Syria has remained uncertain since the removal of Bashar al-Assad from power. Once powerful under the previous regime, the Alawites now face retribution from rebel groups and the oppressed Sunni population during Assad’s rule. As the balance of power in Syria violently shifts, more than 1,000 people have been killed in acts of revenge, including hundreds of Alawites. This violence is among the deadliest since the beginning of the Syrian conflict.

According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), 745 civilians are among the dead. Most of them were shot at close range. In addition, 125 government security personnel and 148 fighters of armed groups linked to Assad were also killed. The fighting has left large parts of Latakia without electricity and drinking water. SOHR reported that Syrian security forces “hanged in the field” at least 162 Alawites in Latakia province, which is Assad’s stronghold and belongs to the sect. The Syrian Interior Ministry acknowledged “individual violations” in the coastal region and promised action.

The clashes that erupted on Thursday, March 6, pose a major challenge for Syria’s new rulers, who took power three months ago by ousting Assad. The government claims it was responding to attacks from Assad’s remaining forces and downplayed the killings as isolated incidents.

Who are the Alawites?

Alawites are a religious minority in Syria, making up about 12 percent of the population. Originating from Shia Islam, they have distinct beliefs and rituals. Historically, Alawites have been concentrated in Syria’s coastal regions, particularly in the provinces of Latakia and Tartus. The Assad family, which has ruled Syria for over five decades until December 2024, is related to the Alawite sect. During their rule, Alawites occupied significant positions in the military and government, creating a perception of privilege.

Armed Sunni groups, considered loyal to the new regime after Assad’s removal, have begun retaliatory killings against Alawites, deepening Syria’s sectarian divide. This challenges the power of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a significant role in removing Assad from power.

For decades, Alawites were the main support base for Assad. Now they are facing deadly retribution. Eyewitnesses described horrific scenes in Alawite villages, where gunmen shot civilians, most of whom were men, in the streets or at their doorsteps. Homes were looted and burned, forcing thousands to flee to the nearby mountains. Baniyas is one of the worst-affected towns. The city has faced some of the most brutal attacks.