Reports reveal that over 1,400 civilians, predominantly Alawites, have been killed in recent sectarian violence in Syria. Many families are now sheltering at a Russian airbase, fearing for their lives following brutal attacks on their communities.
Syrian Families Flee to Russian Airbase Amid Escalating Sectarian Violence
Syrian Families Flee to Russian Airbase Amid Escalating Sectarian Violence
As violence surges in western Syria, families from the Alawite sect are seeking refuge at a Russian airbase after relentless attacks.
Amid continuing sectarian violence in western Syria, numerous families, largely from the Alawite minority sect, have sought refuge at a Russian airbase. The base has become a temporary home for thousands fleeing brutal attacks that have claimed over 1,400 civilian lives since early March, many of whom are Alawites.
One poignant story comes from Dalaal Mahna, who lost her only son, Amjad Qatrawi, at the hands of gunmen. "They took him right from my side," she recalls, tears streaming down her face. Reports indicate that recent military operations against insurgents loyal to deposed President Bashar al-Assad may have intensified the violence targeting Alawites, as revenge killings have surged following the deaths of security personnel during an ambush.
The United Nations has verified the deaths of at least 111 civilians, although this count may be an underestimation of the true toll. The aftermath of violence has left entire families devastated, with many victims reportedly being executed in cold blood.
In the face of this crisis, families have fled into the mountains, risking everything to escape the violence as security forces attempt to stabilize the affected areas. Local testimonies reveal chaos and fear, with many villagers hesitant to return to their homes. Dalaal insists on the urgent need for international protection, highlighting the dire conditions faced by those seeking refuge.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has acknowledged the situation's severity, vowing accountability for the perpetrators of violence, but skepticism remains among the affected populations regarding the effectiveness of such promises. As the conflict continues to unfold, the scars of this crisis are deepening, creating a challenging environment for reconciliation and recovery.
