Over 300 Alawite civilians killed amid Syria’s post-Assad turmoil

Security forces and their allies have killed over 300 Alawite civilians in recent days, amidst confrontations with militants supporting former president Bashar al-Assad's regime, according to Syria war monitor report on Saturday.

Following the Islamist-led forces' swift removal of Assad in December, Syria's new leadership has struggled significantly with maintaining order, particularly facing their most intense resistance from Assad clan's Alawite minority. A major counter-operation was initiated in the Mediterranean coastal region after violent incidents on Thursday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that "311 Alawite civilians were killed in the coastal region... by security forces and allied groups" in the aftermath. These deaths reportedly involved "executions" by security personnel or pro-government fighters, along with property theft.

The total casualty count has reached 524, including 93 new government security personnel and 120 pro-Assad fighters. SANA, the state news agency, reported on Saturday about "deposed regime remnants" attacking Latakia's national hospital, with security forces responding to the threat.

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa had addressed the insurgents on Friday, requesting them to "lay down your weapons and surrender before it's too late". International powers and regional neighbours have stressed the importance of maintaining unity in the new Syria, which requires funding for rebuilding after years of civil conflict.

The Britain-based Observatory has documented several "massacres", with casualties including women and children. On Friday, they stated that "The vast majority of the victims were summarily executed by elements affiliated to the Ministry of Defence and the Interior".