Following sectarian attacks in Syria, families, including bereaved mothers like Dalaal Mahna, are finding refuge at a Russian airbase. The UN reports over 1,400 civilian deaths in a recent surge of violence primarily targeting the Alawite community, raising urgent calls for international protection.
Syrian Families Seek Refuge at Russian Airbase Amid Rising Sectarian Violence
Syrian Families Seek Refuge at Russian Airbase Amid Rising Sectarian Violence
Amid escalating violence against Alawite communities, families flee to a Russian airbase in search of safety.
As the once peaceful regions of western Syria descend into chaos, stories of loss and survival emerge from the frontline. Dalaal Mahna, with a heavy heart, recounted the tragic fate of her only son, who was abducted and killed by unknown assailants. "They took him right from my side," she said, tears filled with grief. Dalaal, part of the Alawite minority, shares her plight with thousands of others now seeking shelter at a nearby Russian airbase.
Since violence erupted on March 6, a staggering 1,400 civilians, mostly Alawites, have reportedly lost their lives in the provinces of Latakia, Tartous, Hama, and Homs. Following the ambush that left 13 security personnel dead in Jableh, a subsequent wave of revenge killings from Sunni Islamist factions has intensified the suffering of predominantly Alawite communities.
According to reports from the United Nations, the confirmed civilian death toll stands at 111, with expectations that the numbers may be even higher as atrocities such as summary executions have been documented. Amidst this turmoil, a car riddled with bullets serves as a grim reminder of the violence, with the fate of its occupants remaining tragically unknown.
While the Syrian security forces have begun to regain control of the area, many villages remain deserted as families flee to the mountains, fearing further sectarian attacks. In a village near Baniyas, we encountered locals who, despite returning to check on their homes, expressed trepidation. Alawite resident Wafiq Ismail reflected a collective anxiety, stating, "I really can't say anything about it."
The Hmeimim airbase, a stronghold for Russian military presence, has become a reluctant refuge for many displaced families, all of whom share stories of loss and fear. "We need international protection from what we're going through," one woman cried out, emphasizing the desperation of her community.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has acknowledged the troubling events and vowed to pursue justice for the victims, even among his allies. Still, the scars left by violence in Syria's fragmented society pose a daunting challenge to reconciliation. As families continue to seek safety at the airbase, the quest for stability in the region remains as elusive as ever.
