Sectarian violence remains a recurring problem in Syria, with reports that the nation’s Alawite minority continue to bear the brunt of the attacks. Though some killings are being carried out by unknown gunmen, many are taking place at official government checkpoints.
That was the case today, when a “General Security” checkpoint between Masyaf and Homs saw an Alawite civilian summarily executed. According to reports, those stationed at the checkpoint are asking people to verify their religion, and the man killed was shot immediately after confirming he was an Alawite.
Yesterday, gunmen in the Latakia countryside near Ras al-Basit killed two Alawites tending a flock of sheep, a young man, and a 15-year-old relative. The young man’s brother was also killed a few days ago in the exact same manner, according to reports.
Violence against the Alawites in early March saw well over 1,300 people killed, many by security personnel, and while the ruling Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) declared the matter over and promised an investigation, killings have continued to happen since, though not in as large of numbers.
The constant fears has been a repeat of the outright massacre, and people in Homs are reporting that pro-HTS militias are handing out leaflets warning them to leave or face such a massacre.
A number of Alawites fled to northern Lebanon when the March massacre took place, and many are afraid to return home. Between the lower-level but persistent killings and the threats to ratchet back up to an outright massacre, that’s probably not going to change.
The Islamist HTS promised an inclusive society after seizing power in December, though in practice their supporters are free to purge religious minorities with little to no consequences. The Alawites are a particularly popular target as President Assad was an Alawite, and they are presented by many factions as having been in league with him, even though his government didn’t treat them particularly well either.
