Over 300 Syrian Alawite Civilians Killed in Latest Killings

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “311 Alawite civilians were killed in the coastal region… by security forces and allied groups” since Thursday. The killings were described as executions carried out by security personnel or pro-government fighters, accompanied by “looting of homes and properties.”

With these new deaths, the overall toll has risen to 524 people, “including 93 members of the new government’s security forces and 120 pro-Assad fighters”, as per the report.

State news agency SANA reported that “deposed regime remnants” launched an attack on a national hospital in Latakia, which was repelled by security forces.

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa urged insurgents on Friday to “lay down your weapons and surrender before it’s too late.” Western powers and Syria’s neighbors have stressed the importance of unity in rebuilding a nation devastated by war.

The Observatory, based in Britain, has reported several massacres in recent days, with women and children among the victims.

“The vast majority of the victims were summarily executed by elements affiliated with the Ministry of Defense and the Interior,” the rights group stated.

Activists released footage showing dozens of bodies in civilian clothing outside a house, with blood stains and women mourning. Other videos appeared to show men in military attire shooting civilians at close range.

Graphic footage was widely circulated on social media platforms, documenting egregious war crimes. Some videos documented the moment several unarmed Syrian citizens were shot dead by security forces, several of whom were also humiliated before being executed. 

A list of the massacres committed in Syria on March 7, 2025

The SOHR has released a detailed list of locations where these atrocities were committed, providing a comprehensive account of the escalating violence across Syria. The documented sites are as follows:

Baniyas, Tartus countryside

60 civilians were killed in the city of Baniyas, including 10 women and 5 children. 

The SOHR said that the victims were executed by gunfire in an “intense attack”.

Dweir Baabda, Beit Aana, Jableh countryside, Latakia 

7 civilians were shot dead directly.

Al-Shir village, Latakia countryside

24 civilians were killed in a mass summary execution. 

Al-Mukhtariyah village, Al-Haffa region, Latakia

38 civilians were shot at close range.

Al-Haffa town, Latakia

7 civilians succumbed to severe gunshot wounds sustained to their heads or chests. 

Yahmour, Tartus countryside

Two young men attempting to flee the village were shot dead. 

Salhab, Hama countryside

Sheikh Shaaban Mansour and his son were executed after being detained by authorities, according to SOHR. 

It is worth noting that the 90-year-old Alawite Sheikh’s dead body was found lying on the road on Friday.

Qarfis village, Latakia

22 civilians were killed in an attack targeting village homes.

SOHR calls on international community to take action

Urging Syrian authorities to hold accountable the security and defense personnel involved in the executions, the Observatory warned that “impunity will only encourage the repetition of such crimes in the future, posing a serious threat to Syria’s political and societal stability in the post-Assad era.”

The SOHR described the actions as grave human rights violations, calling on the international community to take immediate action by dispatching specialized investigative teams to document them.