Families fleeing violence, especially those from the Alawite sect, have sought refuge at a Russian military airbase in western Syria following a surge in sectarian attacks that have left many casualties. Survivors recount harrowing tales of loss, while international protection remains a pressing plea amidst the chaos.
Sectarian Violence Forces Syrian Families to Seek Refuge at Russian Airbase
Sectarian Violence Forces Syrian Families to Seek Refuge at Russian Airbase
A surge in sectarian violence in Syria has driven many families, particularly from the Alawite minority, to take shelter at a remote Russian airbase amidst escalating attacks.
As sectarian violence escalates in western Syria, families from the Alawite minority, like Dalaal Mahna, are forced to seek refuge at a Russian airbase. "My only son, just 25 years old," Dalaal recalls tearfully, recounting how her son was abducted and shot by intruding gunmen. As the violence surged last week, news reports confirm over 1,400 civilian deaths, mainly among Alawites, in Latakia and its surrounding areas.
This uptick in violence follows security operations initiated in response to heightened insurgency efforts against the regime of Bashar al-Assad, who, despite being displaced, remains a central figure in the geopolitical landscape. A recent ambush that claimed the lives of 13 security personnel triggered retaliatory actions against Alawite communities, further deepening the sectarian divide and instigating fears of larger scale ethnic cleansing.
In a grim revelation, the UN’s human rights office has verified at least 111 civilian killings, with the actual number thought to be significantly higher, raising alarms about potential war crimes. Reports indicate cases of summary executions against families, including women and children, as violence surged over the past week.
While the coastal area was secured after intense military activity, many locals remain hesitant to return home. One soldier, Mahmoud al-Haik, claims that most assailants have fled to nearby mountains. "Everyone involved in what happened… they belonged to these communities. But now, they have all left the area," he explained.
As many Alawite families remain sheltering at the Russian airbase, often under harsh conditions, their pleas for security and international protection echo amid concerns for their safety and well-being. “We left our homes, everything… and we came here,” a woman lamented, underscoring the urgency of their plight.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa's commitment to hold those responsible accountable paints a glimmer of hope, but skepticism looms over the effectiveness of such promises in healing the deep-seated wounds of sectarian violence that continues to plague the region.
