Rami Abdul Rahman to "Welat TV": The International Community Must Differentiate Between Combating Regime Remnants and Preventing the Genocide of Alawites
Welat TV – Erbil
The Director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdul Rahman, confirmed that killings, looting, and arrests are still ongoing in villages and towns along the Syrian coast, highlighting the documentation of hundreds of field executions targeting members of the Alawite sect.
In an exclusive interview with Welat TV on Saturday, March 8, 2025, Abdul Rahman stated, "Whether the perpetrators of these massacres are affiliated with the General Security forces or factions allied with them, the Syrian state bears full responsibility for what is happening. Ensuring the safety and protection of civilians is, first and foremost, its duty."
He pointed to a massive wave of displacement, with residents fleeing coastal cities and villages towards neighboring areas and the Syrian-Lebanese border, facing an uncertain fate. Abdul Rahman also condemned the silence of both the international and Arab communities regarding the ongoing events in the Syrian coastal region. He urged the global community to take a clear stance and distinguish between preventing the return of Iran and regime remnants and the mass killing of Alawite civilians.
Current Situation in Coastal Cities and Villages
According to Abdul Rahman, clashes have ceased within the cities, while military operations continue in the coastal countryside. "The killings are ongoing in certain areas of the Syrian coastal countryside. However, General Security forces have now deployed inside cities such as Jableh, where their presence has been welcomed by civilians following waves of arson, looting, and executions," he said. He added, "We witnessed bodies lying in the streets—clear evidence of massacres that took place on Friday, which can only be described as a 'Black Friday.' At least 428 Alawite civilians were executed with direct gunfire."
Casualty Figures on Both Sides
Abdul Rahman reported that around 428 civilians were killed in documented acts of revenge, with many others wounded. "Regarding the detainees, we cannot confirm whether they are combatants or civilians, nor can we determine if they are still alive. As for military personnel, the death toll is also significant, possibly exceeding 250 on both sides," he stated.
Who Is Being Targeted in the Coastal Conflict?
Abdul Rahman explained that two groups are being targeted: Alawite militants who were part of the defunct regime’s army and civilians subjected to systematic executions. "One aspect of the conflict involves General Security forces and allied factions engaging in combat against terrorist groups linked to the former regime’s army. However, there have also been mass executions and severe violations carried out by factions operating under the Ministry of Defense, resulting in the deaths of over 428 Alawite civilians," he clarified.
Who Bears Primary Responsibility for the Coastal Events?
Abdul Rahman placed full responsibility on the new administration for the human rights violations occurring in the Syrian coastal region. "Regardless of who is committing these acts, the Syrian state is responsible for the security and protection of its citizens," he asserted.
He pointed out that "Abu Amsha, notorious for his looting and abuses in Afrin, had forces present in the coastal region, where they engaged in numerous violations against Syrians. Additionally, allied factions were involved in looting and burning homes, all of which has been documented with audio and video evidence." "What matters most is not identifying the perpetrators but ensuring that the state acknowledges its responsibility. It should have prevented the looting, the theft of civilian property, and the destruction of homes," he added.
The Fate of Displaced Civilians
Abdul Rahman noted that displaced civilians are seeking refuge in nearby villages, though these areas may not provide the safety they desperately need. "Some are heading towards the Syrian-Lebanese border, but it remains unclear whether these areas are truly safe. If they were, why are executions still occurring there?" he questioned.
The International Community’s Response
Abdul Rahman condemned the international and Arab communities for their inaction regarding the ongoing atrocities in Syria’s coastal region. "The international stance is completely unacceptable. Had these crimes occurred in another country or under the former criminal regime, the response would have been entirely different. The global community is turning a blind eye to these massacres. Even the Arab position has been inadequate.
They claim to support the Damascus government in fighting terrorism and regime remnants. While I, too, support combating terrorism, I strongly oppose the government’s mass executions of Syrian civilians on Black Friday," he stated.
He concluded by saying, "The international community must take a clear position and differentiate between preventing the resurgence of Iran and regime remnants and the genocide of Alawite civilians."