Dalaal Mahna is among thousands of Alawite families now sheltering at a Russian airbase in western Syria, fleeing brutal sectarian violence that has resulted in the deaths of many civilians, including her son. The ongoing conflict has intensified following an insurgency against the former Assad regime and subsequent revenge attacks by factions aligned with the new government.
Alawite Families Seek Refuge at Russian Airbase Amid Escalating Sectarian Violence in Syria
Alawite Families Seek Refuge at Russian Airbase Amid Escalating Sectarian Violence in Syria
As recent sectarian attacks claim the lives of over 1,400 civilians, many Alawite families have fled to a Russian airbase for safety, revealing the deepening crisis in western Syria.
In a heart-wrenching account, Dalaal Mahna recounted the chilling loss of her only son: "They took him right from my side and told me: 'We're going to kill him and break your heart with it.'" The 25-year-old was slain by armed gunmen amid a surge of violence targeting Syria's Alawite minority since last week. Forced into hiding, Dalaal, along with thousands of other displaced families, has taken refuge at a remote Russian airbase located in the coastal region of western Syria, where conditions are dire.
Recent reports from a war monitoring group reveal that over 1,400 civilians, largely Alawites, have lost their lives since March 6, following retaliatory attacks by militant groups against residents perceived to be loyal to Bashar al-Assad's regime. In a rapidly escalating situation, the UN has verified a minimum of 111 civilian deaths, while underscoring the likelihood that the real number is much higher, given ongoing summary executions in the area.
Amid the chaos, sectarian strife continues to fracture communities, with the Alawite sect encountering increased hostility from Sunni factions. Security forces launched operations after an ambush left 13 personnel dead, inciting violence in predominantly Alawite territories. Witnesses describe families being massacred, as fears of further sectarian attacks loom over those who have fled their homes.
With reports of bodies littering the streets and refugees living rough in the mountains for weeks, an urgent humanitarian crisis unfolds. Many families at the base are calling for international protection, lamenting the loss of loved ones and the life they once knew. Despite assurances from Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa vowing accountability for the violence, trust remains elusive among the survivors, and recovery appears a distant hope in a region marred by historical tensions.
Recent reports from a war monitoring group reveal that over 1,400 civilians, largely Alawites, have lost their lives since March 6, following retaliatory attacks by militant groups against residents perceived to be loyal to Bashar al-Assad's regime. In a rapidly escalating situation, the UN has verified a minimum of 111 civilian deaths, while underscoring the likelihood that the real number is much higher, given ongoing summary executions in the area.
Amid the chaos, sectarian strife continues to fracture communities, with the Alawite sect encountering increased hostility from Sunni factions. Security forces launched operations after an ambush left 13 personnel dead, inciting violence in predominantly Alawite territories. Witnesses describe families being massacred, as fears of further sectarian attacks loom over those who have fled their homes.
With reports of bodies littering the streets and refugees living rough in the mountains for weeks, an urgent humanitarian crisis unfolds. Many families at the base are calling for international protection, lamenting the loss of loved ones and the life they once knew. Despite assurances from Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa vowing accountability for the violence, trust remains elusive among the survivors, and recovery appears a distant hope in a region marred by historical tensions.
