France condemned violence in Syria on Saturday targeting “civilians because of their faith, and prisoners,” amid reports that hundreds of Alawites have been killed in recent days. The Alawites are a religious minority to which toppled president Bashar al-Assad belonged.
A French foreign ministry statement on March 8 called on Syria’s new authorities “to ensure that independent investigations can shed light on these crimes, and that the perpetrators are sentenced.”
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Saturday that 745 Alawite civilians were killed in Syria “by security forces and allied groups.”
Videos circulating on social media appear to show Alawite civilians being summarily executed, with piles of bodies across rural villages and armed gunmen gloating about the killings. Other videos reportedly show Alawite civilians forced to crawl and bark like dogs as gunmen laugh.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that security forces’ campaigns included widespread summary executions and serious violations during security operations in the governorates of Latakia and Tartus, with more than 29 massacres documented.
On Friday, Syria’s Interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa vowed to eliminate former regime remnants after deadly clashes on the Syrian coast, promising justice and accountability and pledging to hold perpetrators of harm to civilians to account.
In response, Syria’s Defence Ministry has formed an emergency committee to investigate alleged violations by its forces during recent military and security operations in the coastal region, a ministry source told state news agency SANA on Saturday. Those found to have violated orders will be referred to military courts.
The developments follow violent clashes in cities and rural areas of Latakia and Tartus over the past two days between Syrian security forces, the Defence Ministry, and armed groups loyal to the former government. On Friday, authorities said they had regained full control of Tartus and Latakia, extending a curfew in both cities until Saturday and deploying additional forces from the Defence Ministry.
Clashes began after patrols of the General Security forces were ambushed in rural Latakia, escalating into fighting in several areas, particularly in Qardaha, the ancestral home of the Assad family.
This security crisis is considered the biggest test for the Syrian government since the ousting of the Assad regime on Dec. 8, 2024. Security and military forces have been working to contain the armed uprising in the west of the country.
Egypt also expressed concern regarding the confrontations in the Syrian Governorate of Latakia, which have resulted in casualties and injuries, according to a statement from its Foreign Ministry.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry affirmed its support for the Syrian state and its national institutions, as well as for stability amid security challenges. Egypt also rejected any actions that would prejudice the security, safety, and stability of the Syrian people.
“Egypt reiterates the importance of combating all forms of violence and the necessity of placing the Syrian national interest above all considerations, and working to overcome this delicate transitional phase in Syria,” the statement said.
