Alawite Families Displaced in Damascus Amid Rising Sectarian Tensions

DAMASCUS - In a troubling development for Syria's Alawite community, numerous families have been forcibly evicted from their homes in Damascus under alarming circumstances. Reports indicate that armed individuals have been entering private residences, threatening occupants with firearms, and demanding they vacate the premises within a matter of hours.

One such incident involved a family known by the pseudonym Um Hassan, whose home was invaded by a group of masked men wielding assault rifles. They arrested a family member when ownership documents were presented, coercing the family into leaving their house within 24 hours. Similar reports from various Alawite families highlight that this pattern of eviction is not an isolated occurrence; it signifies a broader trend affecting many within this minority group.

Since the ascent of President Ahmed al-Sharaa to power in December, an estimated hundreds of Alawites have been expelled from their homes, as detailed by human rights organizations and local leaders. Bassam Alahmad, the executive director of Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ), stated that these evictions are systematic and widespread, potentially affecting thousands.

The Alawite community, historically aligned with the Assad regime, has faced increasing vulnerability since the regime's recent upheaval. As the new authorities, many of whom were once linked to rebel forces, consolidate their power, they appear to be settling scores with the Alawite population, previously viewed as the powerbrokers in the country.

Recent violence in western coastal regions of Syria has exacerbated tensions, leading to a significant loss of life among Alawites, while retaliatory acts have spilled into Damascus. According to government officials, the majority of evicted individuals resided in government housing connected to their state employment, and their loss of jobs has resulted in their displacement. However, many others, like Um Hassan, were forced out of privately owned properties solely because of their Alawite identity.

The newly established General Security Service (GSS), which reportedly comprises former rebel fighters, has been criticized for its aggressive tactics. An anonymous source from the Damascus Countryside Directorate confirmed they have received numerous complaints regarding violent evictions, indicating a pattern of abuse against Alawites.

One local mayor disclosed that families in his jurisdiction have been uprooted, with 250 out of 2,000 families affected. A recorded conversation with a GSS member revealed a disturbing directive to find alternative housing for newly relocated families at the expense of those identified as Alawites, reflecting an alarming sectarian bias.

Two committees, established under the new regime, are reportedly overseeing the management and confiscation of properties linked to individuals associated with the previous government. It remains unclear how much authority President Sharaa has over these committees, as they seem to operate with considerable autonomy, reminiscent of methods used during earlier conflicts.

Experts have warned that these evictions threaten to alter the demographic landscape of Damascus, echoing past tactics employed by the Assad regime to suppress opposition among Sunni populations. The potential displacement of Alawites could mirror the previous patterns of violence and demographic manipulation seen throughout Syria's tumultuous history.

In response to these actions, STJ has formally lodged complaints with the relevant authorities, calling for an immediate cessation of property violations motivated by sectarianism. Observers note that the historical context is crucial, as the Assad regime had previously relocated Alawites to bolster its power base in urban centers.

As the situation unfolds, many Alawites find themselves in a precarious position, facing threats to their livelihoods and homes while a new authority rises amidst a backdrop of sectarian strife. The unfolding crisis highlights persistent instability in Syria and the ongoing struggle for power and protection among its diverse communities.