Sectarian Violence in Syria: UN Report Reveals Widespread and Systematic Atrocities

In March, sectarian violence erupted in Syrian coastal communities, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 people, mostly civilians. The violence was perpetrated by members of Syria's government security forces and other armed groups, including rebel factions and extremist groups. A report by the UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria found no evidence that the central government directed its forces to commit the atrocities, but rather that they acted on their own or at the behest of their commanders.

Key Takeaways:

• The report found that members of government forces and allied groups committed "widespread and systematic" violence against civilians, including raiding houses in Alawite-majority areas, singling out Alawite men, and killing them.
• The commission found that members of Turkish-backed rebel factions that are now part of the new Syrian army likely participated in the attacks on civilians.
• Former members of the rebel group led by President Ahmed al-Shara, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, who now serve in the government's security forces, were also likely involved in the atrocities.
• Armed groups affiliated with the Assad government also committed violent acts that likely amount to war crimes, according to the report.
• The report calls on Syria's new authorities to expand their existing efforts to arrest those suspected of being involved in the attacks.
• At least 37 people have been arrested by the government for their involvement in attacks against civilians.

Statistics:

• 1,400 people were killed in the violence, mostly civilians.
• The death toll is largely consistent with the government's own figures and those of monitoring groups.
• Tens of thousands of ex-rebel fighters and other armed civilians converged on the Mediterranean coast in support of the new government.
• Many Sunni fundamentalists consider the Alawites, who practice an offshoot of Shia Islam, to be heretics.
• The new government has arrested at least 37 people who were involved in attacks against civilians.

Sources:

• United Nations (UN) report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria
• Quote from Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, Chair of the Commission
• Response from Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani