According to a report by webangah News Agency, citing Lebanon’s Al-Akhbar newspaper, Reuters has obtained documents from Syrian security services and affiliated groups linked to the previous Damascus government. These materials detail security operations conducted in March against individuals with alleged ties to foreign-backed militant groups in Syria’s coastal regions.
The report states that approximately 1,500 Alawite civilians in Syria were killed within just two days during these operations, with dozens more reported missing-thier fates remain unknown.
Reuters further notes that over 10 semi-military groups currently operating under Syria’s new government were involved in these coastal area operations. These forces reportedly consist of foreign combatants now aligned with Damascus.
More than half of these groups have been designated as terrorist organizations due to violations of human rights, killings, massacres, sexual violence against non-Sunnis under international sanctions.
One such group is the former Al-Sham Liberation, whose leaders were stripped of control over these factions. This entity now operates as part of Syria’s internal security apparatus, including the 40th Legion, comprised of former rebel fighters and the TIP (Turkistan Islamic Party).
The Sulaiman shah Brigade and Ajnad al-Hamza are also among these factions-both recently absorbed into Syrian government forces.
The report documents numerous cases of sexual violence against women in Syria. Media outlets and civil society organizations have published extensive evidence since March 2023, including videos and testimonies identifying perpetrators or displaying their insignia in public forums.
The report further notes that sexual violence operations in Syria’s coastal regions occur almost daily.
In recent weeks,escalating tensions and violent clashes between the new government’s security forces under Julianni’s leadership and political opponents have been reported.This tension emerged after the new Syrian government’s policies led to widespread public anger, sparking protests in cities like Qardaha, Jablah, Latakia, Tartus, Homs, and Masyaf.
In response to these protests-described as peaceful-military forces loyal to Julianni directly fired at demonstrators.Violence rapidly spread to Syria’s coastal regions, especially in Latakia province and the cities of Al-Haffah, Al-mukhtariyah, and Al-Shir. Terrorist groups backed by Syria’s ruling authorities also carried out killings in these areas.
The Syrian Human Rights Committee confirmed 25 cases of killings by forces under Abu Muhammad al-Juliani’s command along the coast. During 2024 alone in Syria, pro-Juliani armed groups reportedly detained numerous individuals.
According to reports, 811 videos documenting the incident have been recorded.
