Archive · 30 Jun 2025
Reuters Investigation: March Killings Linked to New Syrian Government
In Syria, after a change in government, many Alawites (a religious group) were killed.
A news agency, Reuters, investigated these killings, finding almost 1,500 deaths across many locations.
The attackers included different groups, some formerly fighting against the government, some backed by Turkey, and some Sunni factions.
Reuters gathered names of those killed from families and community members to get an accurate count.
The investigation links the attackers to individuals now working in Syria's new government.
Reuters investigation details mass killings of Syrian Alawites in March.
1,479 Alawites were killed and dozens are missing in 40 sites, per Reuters.
Multiple groups involved, including HTS units, Turkish-backed militias, and Sunni factions.
Reuters gathered victim names from families, community leaders, and cross-referenced with activists.
Investigation links attackers to men serving in Syria's new government.
- Who
- Multiple groups, including HTS units, Turkish-backed militias, Sunni factions, foreign fighters, and armed Sunni civilians.
- What
- Mass killings of Syrian Alawites were investigated by Reuters.
- When
- The killings occurred in March following government changes.
- Where
- Along Syria's Mediterranean coast in multiple locations.
- Why
- The killings appear to be revenge killings following a period of civil war and sectarian violence.
Government
Reuters Investigation
Government Involvement and Transparency
Government
Limited information released by the government on Alawite civilian deaths, with President al-Sharaa stating 200 government forces died.
Reuters Investigation
Reuters investigation provides a more detailed account of the events including the groups responsible, methods used and the number of people killed.
- Victim Count
- 1,479 Alawites killed, dozens missing
- Number of Sites
- 40 distinct sites
- Investigation Method
- Gathering local lists, photos, and cross-referencing with activists
- Groups Involved
- HTS units, Turkish-backed militias, Sunni factions, foreign fighters, armed Sunni civilians
- Reuters Role
- Investigated the massacres, identifying a chain of command