The Alawite community, historically ruled by the Assad family, faces increased violence and existential threats after President Bashar al-Assad’s departure. With a power shift to a Sunni Islamist government, attacks on Alawites have escalated significantly, highlighting their precarious situation in an ongoing civil war.
The Alawites, a minority sect constituting approximately 10-15% of Syria’s population, have governed the country for over five decades under the Assad dynasty, which began in 1970 with Hafez al-Assad. This rule came to a sudden halt in December 2024 following a rebel coalition’s advance towards Damascus, resulting in President Bashar al-Assad’s flight and leaving the community in a precarious situation amid escalating violence and revenge killings.
The ongoing civil war has intensified, particularly following the Assad regime’s fall, with over 1,000 lives lost due to revenge killings, significantly impacting the Alawite sect amidst a shift in power towards the interim Sunni Islamist government. Alawites are increasingly targeted as opposition factions label them as loyalists to the former regime, resulting in heightened violence against their communities.
Sunni extremist groups, such as ISIS and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have declared Alawites as heretics, leading to brutal attacks. Reports indicate that more than 500 Alawites have been killed due to renewed clashes since early March 2025, indicating one of the deadliest periods in the 14-year civil conflict.
The plight of the Alawite community has been dire, as demonstrated by testimonies of individuals fearing for their lives. Many have had to flee their homes due to violence, where they found chaos and condemned conditions upon escaping. The ongoing assaults have led to systematic killings reported across coastal regions, highlighting the urgent need for safety and stability.
The future remains uncertain for the Alawites as they confront existential threats amidst the protracted civil war. Their survival hinges on Syria reconciling its sectarian conflicts and establishing a stable regime that can foster unity and security for all communities.
The Alawite community, historically dominant in Syria under the Assad regime, now faces severe threats following the regime’s downfall. With a significant number of lives lost and continuous violence from extremist factions, the Alawites’ situation is precarious. Their future hinges on the broader reconciliation efforts within Syria and the establishment of a peaceful, stable governance structure.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
