Vigilante Violence Against Alawis in Homs
Washington, DC – September 10, 2026
“Syrian minority groups are facing unprecedented levels of vigilante violence and unlawful killings caused by ongoing security failures and the unresolved legacy of crimes committed under the Assad government,” said the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre today after releasing its investigation into rising violence in Homs. “Syria is experiencing increasing cycles of violence, especially in Homs, where SJAC has documented at least 83 incidents of violence and 102 killings since May 2025, although we believe this number is much higher.”
While minority groups across Syria are facing regular attacks, Homs has seen some of the highest levels of violence. Multiple factors, including a lack of security from the Syrian Transitional Government as well as apathy and distrust of the transitional justice process has allowed violence to spread, often at little risk to the perpetrator. Alawi communities and other groups perceived to have collaborated with the Assad government are especially at risk of abductions, summary killings, displacement, and public stigmatization.
“Throughout this investigation, we documented multiple types of violations committed against minorities including incitement of violence, abductions, extortion, and targeted killings, often by unidentified parties, although according to some witnesses who spoke with SJAC, even security forces have participated in or at least turned a blind eye to violence,” said Salma Daoudi, lead researcher on the report. “The informal weapons market has flourished since the end of the conflict and allows for the easy acquisition of guns and explosives. Many attacks we documented were committed in broad daylight, often at the victims’ homes or places of work. We heard from witnesses that authorities often failed to conduct meaningful investigations.”
“Through this report we are urging the Syrian government to put an end to the violence by investigating vigilante attacks and unlawful killings against minorities, improve oversight of security forces, and support community-centered dialogue and reconciliation,” said Mohammad Al Abdallah, SJAC’s Executive Director. “Our investigation is just a small snapshot of the violence faced by minorities in Syria, and the Syrian government must do more to address immediate and long-term security concerns.” He added, “our team will continue to monitor and regularly report on these attacks and the human rights situation in Syria. We hope the Syrian Transitional Government will use this information to protect the rights and safety of all Syrians.”
Read the full investigation here:
SJAC
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The Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC) is a human rights organization committed to achieving meaningful justice for the Syrian people, enabling Syrians to reckon with and move past a legacy of authoritarian violence and build an open, peaceful, and democratic society.
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Michael Ader
Senior Communications Officer
+1-801-970-3065