New satellite images indicate many Alawite individuals are seeking refuge at Russia’s Khmeimim Air Base due to escalating sectarian violence in Syria. The conflict involves clashes between the Islamist transitional government and Assad loyalists, with significant casualties reported. Amid deteriorating conditions, protests have emerged at the base, demanding protection against violence and accountability for aggressors.
Recent satellite imagery acquired by The War Zone reveals that many individuals are seeking refuge at Russia’s Khmeimim Air Base amid escalating sectarian violence in Syria. The influx of Alawite individuals to the base follows reports of atrocities committed by Syrian security forces, including a mass execution of civilians. This situation has arisen amid fierce clashes between the newly established Islamist transitional government and forces loyal to deposed president Bashar Al-Assad.
The new images from Maxar depict an overwhelming presence of people and vehicles at the air base, located near Latakia, signifying one of the most intense periods of combat since the fall of Assad’s regime. The violence primarily reflects a confrontation between Sunni forces from Al Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Shia Alawites, the sect to which Assad belongs.
Close-up images showcase extensive vehicle presence near the small terminal at the air base as well as individuals using tarps and makeshift shelters on the tarmac. These temporary accommodations are secured by armored vehicles forming a defensive perimeter, illustrating the desperate circumstances faced by the individuals who fled their homes seeking safety.
According to data from the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the fighting has resulted in significant casualties, with 383 individuals, including 211 civilians, reportedly killed by regime loyalists, and 396 people killed as a result of fire from Syrian security forces. Notably, these figures do not include the fatalities among Assad’s loyalists, which indicates the extensive toll of the conflict.
In light of the increasing clamor over civilian casualties, interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has committed to holding accountable those involved in the violence. He has acknowledged the situation as “expected challenges” arising from the conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also condemned the actions leading to the turmoil, affirming America’s support for Syria’s minority communities and calling for accountability regarding the perpetrators of these violent acts.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported deteriorating living conditions in the coastal region, exacerbated by blocked food supplies and essential resources due to ongoing conflicts. This challenge coincides with intensified security operations following an insurgent attack against checkpoints and the Ministry of Defense.
Amidst the chaos, many displaced individuals have staged sit-in protests at the air base, appealing against killings perpetrated by defense and interior ministry officials. Protesters have voiced their concerns about ethnic cleansing, demanding international protection from ongoing assaults that have resulted in numerous fatalities. Despite local assurances for their safety, many remain unwilling to return home.
While a portion of Russian forces have been withdrawn from Khmeimim and Tartus, the future status of these strategic bases is indeterminate, as Russia continues to seek arrangements to maintain its presence. The ascent of violence and the resultant movement towards Russian-held territories underscore the instability that persists in Syria following the Assad regime’s collapse.
In conclusion, the situation at Russia’s Khmeimim Air Base has escalated into a refuge for Alawite individuals fleeing dire sectarian violence and atrocities in western Syria. With numerous casualties reported and protests occurring within the base, the precarious nature of Syria’s post-Assad landscape becomes increasingly evident. The ongoing search for accountability and protection for minority communities remains a critical aspect of resolving this turbulent crisis.
Original Source: www.twz.com
