Warning of a Disturbing Rise in Sectarian Violence in Syria
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Synopsis
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports 91 incidents of assassinations and retaliatory violence in Syria since 2025's start, primarily influenced by political and sectarian motives. The violence has intensified in provinces with significant Shiite and Alawite populations, highlighting the urgent need for effective civilian protection and accountability for offenders.
Key Takeaways
- 91 violent incidents documented since 2025.
- Heightened tensions in Homs, Hama, and Latakia.
- Need for urgent protective measures for civilians.
- Influence of undisciplined armed factions.
- Escalation of sectarian killings post-Assad regime.
Damascus, Jan 26 (NationPress) The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitoring organization, reported on Sunday that it has recorded 91 incidents of assassinations and retaliatory acts by armed factions in Syria since the start of 2025, many driven by political or sectarian animosity.
The observatory's statement highlights that the surge in violence has peaked in regions like Homs, Hama, and Latakia, which are home to numerous Shiite and Alawite minority communities, according to Xinhua news agency.
The organization emphasized the urgent need for effective measures to safeguard civilians and ensure accountability for offenders.
Rami Abdul Rahman, the director of the observatory, linked much of the unrest to undisciplined factions that integrated into the new Military Operations Administration following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Abdul Rahman highlighted the situation in the village of Fahal in northern Homs, claiming that at least 15 individuals — primarily former officers who had undergone so-called reconciliation with the new regime — were executed after security forces allegedly raided the area.
Even though Homs Governor Abed al-Rahman al-Ama and Police Chief Ubada Arnaout have expressed dedication to diminishing the violence, Abdul Rahman contends that new volunteer militias are conducting retaliatory actions, rather than delivering genuine justice.
Sectarian murders have escalated since the collapse of Assad's regime in December, amidst political turmoil and evolving territorial alliances.
Officials from the new Syrian leadership have consistently promised to consolidate security operations under a unified command. Nevertheless, the conditions on the ground remain precarious, primarily due to years of ongoing crisis in Syria, where Shiite and Alawite officers and militias have been engaged in conflict against a nationwide Sunni insurgency.
