Tensions Rising Among Alawites in Homs Following Assad's Regime Fallout

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Residents of Homs, Syria, are grappling with heightened tensions in the aftermath of the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, as Alawite communities express fears of reprisals from emerging security forces. Armed groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have taken control, creating an atmosphere of instability and anxiety, particularly for those previously loyal to Assad. According to local residents, security forces have conducted raids targeting groups affiliated with the former regime, prompting fears of violence and kidnappings.

Sado Junaid, a soldier in HTS, expressed the desire for justice against those involved in past torture, while Alawite former military officers like Abu Mohammed lament their fear of potential attacks against their community. Reports of assaults, including a recent incident targeting an Alawite student, have exacerbated these concerns. The competing narratives from both Alawite and Sunni residents reveal deep-seated hostilities and a struggle for security amid the region's turbulent political landscape.

A former politician, Salman Shbeeb, noted that remnants of Assad's regime are still present, heightening apprehension among Alawites who feel abandoned in this new order.

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