The United Nations has confirmed the deaths of at least 111 Syrian civilians in a series of recent mass killings on the country’s coastal regions, with the true toll believed to be much higher. The deaths occurred in Tartus, Latakia, and Hama governorates, where reports indicate that many of the victims were executed in a sectarian manner, with some attackers specifically targeting individuals based on their religious affiliations.
The UN Human Rights spokesperson, Thameen Al Kheetan, highlighted that many victims were victims of summary executions, carried out by unidentified armed groups and individuals allegedly linked to Syria’s former government and current caretaker authorities. He emphasized that entire families, including women and children, were targeted in these brutal attacks, which were reportedly planned and executed based on sectarian lines.
Al Kheetan also noted disturbing accounts where attackers identified victims as either Alawite or Sunni before deciding whether to kill or spare them. Attacks on hospitals in the affected areas have also been reported, contributing to casualties and significant damage to vital healthcare infrastructure.
The UN’s findings, particularly the targeted violence based on religious beliefs, suggest that these acts could qualify as genocide under international law. Violence against civilians is prohibited under the Geneva Conventions, and such targeted killings could also amount to war crimes under the Rome Statute.
The violence erupted in the wake of the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024, as sectarian tensions continue to dominate Syria’s fractured landscape. Although the primary targets of these attacks appear to be associated with the Alawite sect—long supportive of Assad—early investigations suggest that both pro- and anti-Assad groups may be responsible for the killings.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, condemned the attacks, calling for immediate accountability. He urged Syria’s caretaker authorities to ensure that military operations comply with international human rights and humanitarian laws, stressing the need for a transparent and impartial investigation into the atrocities.
These latest developments underscore the ongoing brutality in Syria and the urgent need for international intervention to protect civilians and bring those responsible for these heinous acts to justice.
Source: Samara Baboolal, JURIST
