Reports of Sectarian Executions Emerge in Syria Following Government Collapse
In the wake of the Assad government’s collapse, reports of violence, retribution, and looting have emerged across Syria, particularly targeting Alawite minorities and former government officials. Graphic Videos seen by SOFX editors depict escalating atrocities committed by “moderate” rebel factions and Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) forces.
In villages surrounding Homs, the extremist group Maghawir al-Sham has allegedly carried out mass executions and looting against Alawite communities. Alawites, a significant minority in Syria and historically key supporters of the Assad government, have been a primary target of retaliatory attacks.
One video shows members of Maghawir al-Sham celebrating after alleged operations in Alawite villages. In one video, individuals can be heard chanting, “Allahu Akbar, Maghawir al-Sham! The Nusayri (Alawite) village has been cleansed.”
The term “Nusayri” is a derogatory reference to Alawites, highlighting the sectarian nature of the violence. These actions come amid a broader wave of retributive attacks following the sudden power vacuum left by the Assad regime’s downfall.
Similar reports implicate Turkish-backed SNA forces in acts of looting and executions, particularly in areas previously controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SNA, supported by Turkey, has taken control of multiple regions in northern Syria, including Manbij.
Videos reviewed by SOFX appear to show executions of wounded men on hospital beds, with SNA fighters accusing them of being members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group Turkey designates as a terrorist organization. In the footage, the SNA fighters can be heard calling the victims “terrorists.”
Retribution appears widespread across multiple regions. In Latakia and Homs, videos circulating on social media allegedly depict the sectarian field executions of civilian dressed men, as well as former Syrian government employees and military personnel. In some videos, ISIS patches are clearly shown on the perpetrators. Another graphic video allegedly shows the body of a Syrian official being dragged behind a vehicle while being whipped with leather belts.
Human rights monitors have previously raised concerns about the conduct of SNA factions, which have faced repeated accusations of war crimes, including forced displacement and civilian targeting.
While the videos and reports have yet to be verified by international monitors, the evidence points to a rapidly deteriorating security situation in post-Assad Syria.
Videos have also circulated from Latakia showing rebel factions celebrating through the streets with an ISIS Flag.
