The Forgotten Tragedy - Alawite and Minorities Massacres in Syria Under HTS Regime

The Forgotten Tragedy: Alawite Massacres on Syria’s Coastal Regions by HTS

For over a decade, the Syrian conflict has been marked by unimaginable suffering, yet some of the darkest chapters remain overshadowed by broader geopolitical narratives. One such tragedy is the targeted massacres of Alawite civilians in Syria’s coastal regions, primarily carried out by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other extremist factions. Despite the scale and horror of these atrocities, they have received limited international attention.

This blog aims to shed light on these war crimes, document the harrowing accounts of survivors, and provide an in-depth analysis of the ideological and strategic motivations behind these attacks.

The Roots of the Crisis

The Alawites, a sect of Shia Islam, have been historically marginalized yet politically significant in modern Syria, with the Assad family belonging to this group. Their religious identity and perceived political affiliations have made them targets for extremist groups seeking to impose a radical interpretation of Islam in Syria.

As the Syrian war escalated, HTS, an offshoot of al-Qaeda in Syria, sought to expand its control over various regions, including the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, home to a large Alawite population. Their incursions into these areas resulted in mass killings, kidnappings, and ethnic cleansing campaigns, often underreported or misrepresented in global media. HTS members adhere to the doctrine of excommunication (Takfir), largely influenced by Ibn Taymiyyah’s instructions. According to this belief, anyone who does not follow their strict interpretation of Islam is considered an infidel (Kafir) and must be beheaded. This ideology has justified countless atrocities against religious minorities, including Alawites.

Massacres That Shook the Coastal Regions

From the 2013 Latakia offensive, where entire Alawite villages were wiped out, to sporadic but devastating attacks on civilians, these massacres have left scars that may never heal. Women and children have not been spared, with many taken captive or summarily executed. These acts constitute clear violations of international law and are part of a broader pattern of sectarian violence that has fueled the Syrian conflict.

The Role of International Actors

Despite HTS being designated as a terrorist organization by multiple countries, there has been little effort to hold them accountable for these crimes. The geopolitical complexities of the Syrian war have often led to selective outrage, where some atrocities receive global condemnation while others are ignored.

Why This Blog?

The purpose of this blog is to ensure that the voices of the victims are heard and that these crimes are not erased from history. Through survivor testimonies, historical context, and analytical deep dives, we will expose the brutal realities of the war that mainstream narratives often overlook.

By bringing awareness to these massacres, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the conflict and push for justice and accountability. This is not just about history—it is about ensuring that such atrocities are recognized and prevented in the future.

Stay tuned for detailed reports, exclusive interviews, and expert insights into one of the most underreported tragedies of the Syrian war.