In recent days, reports have emerged of alleged violent attacks by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militia against the Alawite population in the Syrian Mediterranean coastal region.
Journalist Eva Bartlett, who has worked in the Middle East for many years, shared a series of videos on social media, showing scenes of destruction and violence in the town of Al-Haffa. According to the reports, the town’s Alawite residents were targeted, with many killed and injured.
The videos also showed the destruction of Alawite homes and the killing of young men, allegedly without investigation or confirmation of any wrongdoing.
The situation in Latakia province, where the Russian airbase of Hmeimim is located, has been a subject of concern, with reports of HTS fighters, including foreign nationals, being involved in the violence.
It is difficult to verify the authenticity of some of the reports and videos, including claims of Turkish troop movements in support of HTS and the existence of a “Rat for the Liberation of Syria”.
However, the situation in Syria remains a concern, with various groups and factions vying for power and control and the international community has a role to play in addressing the humanitarian and political implications of the conflict.