Survivors share harrowing accounts of ‘unimaginable wounds’ from takfiri terrorist attacks in western Syria
Alawite survivors of the atrocities perpetrated by Syria's new government have shared their harrowing experiences of psychological trauma, which psychiatrists have characterized as "unimaginable."
In a harrowing account reported by The Cradle on Thursday, Abu Mahmoud, a resident of the Latakia countryside, described the chaotic and terrifying moments as violence erupted in his village. “The sound of gunfire and screams filled the air as we awoke, unsure of the unfolding events,” Mahmoud recounted. He witnessed firsthand the killing of his neighbors in front of their homes, yet felt powerless to intervene, choosing instead to hide in the face of the unfolding tragedy.
He recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “The cries of children were audible, but they gradually diminished … it became evident that everyone was being killed. Once the tumult ceased, I came out from my hiding spot to witness the devastation; my village had been reduced to ashes. Survivors were scarce, and the presence of death was overpowering,” he added.
In a recent interview, concerns have been expressed by residents of Syria’s Western coastal cities, including Tartous and Latakia, regarding the possibility of renewed threats from Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led forces, leaving the populace in a state of apprehension.
Umm Khaled, a survivor of the recent conflict, recounted her harrowing escape with her children into a nearby forest. “We trekked for hours without sustenance, the gunfire resonating behind us, as if death pursued us relentlessly,” she reported.
Upon returning home after several days, an individual discovered their residence had been destroyed by fire, with family members tragically found beneath the debris. This devastating incident left the individual bereft, having lost their family, home, and previous way of life, resulting in a profound sense of loss and emotional numbness since that day.
An online news magazine has reported, citing a psychiatrist referred to as “MA” who is actively engaged with massacre survivors, that individuals are experiencing profound post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and are residing in a state of fear.
A psychiatrist has reported that children exposed to these horrific events are enduring severe psychological trauma. A number of them have become mute, while others are isolated from their surroundings. Many are plagued by recurring nightmares, and some have withdrawn entirely, refusing to eat or engage with those around them. “Our efforts to assist them continue,” the psychiatrist stated, “but the psychological damage is profound and far-reaching.”
The destruction of homes and entire villages has resulted in the disintegration of local communities, significantly complicating efforts for psychological and social recovery.
A human rights advocate, identified only by the initials “SA”, has stressed that genuine peace cannot be achieved in the absence of justice. The advocate urged that those responsible for the cited offenses must face accountability, stating that this is essential not only for the victims but also to avert the recurrence of such egregious acts.
The activist emphasized that impunity perpetuates the continuation of crimes against humanity.
On December 8, 2024, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, once affiliated with al-Qaeda, along with allied militant factions, successfully took control of Damascus, prompting President Bashar al-Assad to flee the nation.
Earlier this month, Syria’s western coastal region witnessed a surge in violence as an ambush targeted militants from the ruling faction, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
In a significant operation aimed at suppressing opposition factions, armed groups supportive of the newly established administration launched an extensive campaign resulting in numerous executions.
According to reports, armed militants systematically visited homes and carried out fatal attacks on civilians, resulting in the deaths of numerous individuals, among them women and children.
According to reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a minimum of 1,500 individuals have lost their lives, with the majority being identified as Alawites.
Unofficial reports suggest that the actual death toll may be significantly higher than initially reported. Meanwhile, over 20,000 individuals have reportedly fled to neighboring Lebanon, driven by escalating fears.
