AiBotAt least two dormitories at the Al-Baath University in the Syrian city of Homs were stormed by masked men armed with bladed weapons, targeting students from the Alawite sect, one of the country’s dominant minority groups. The violent attacks, which took place in the early hours of the morning, have left many students shaken and several injured.
According to eyewitnesses, the masked men, described as being between 15 to 20 individuals, made their way into the dormitories, shouting sectarian slogans and identifying themselves as members of the “Islamic State for Iraq and Syria” (ISIS). The attackers reportedly used their blades to intimidate and harm the students, causing widespread panic and destruction.
“It was a nightmare,” said one student, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal. “We were awoken in the middle of the night by the sound of men shouting and crashing into the rooms. Some of them had their faces covered, while others were holding large knives. They were specifically targeting Alawite students, saying they were ‘infidels’ and ‘apostates’.”
The Alawite sect, a Shia Muslim minority, has long been a focal point of sectarian tensions in Syria. Despite being a small minority, the Alawites have historically been concentrated in the country’s coastal regions and hold significant influence in the government.
“It’s a targeted attack on a specific group,” said Hisham al-Hussein, a local rights activist. “This is not just an attack on Alawite students, but also a message to the government that the Syrian state is not doing enough to protect its citizens. The government needs to take action to address this rising sectarian violence and ensure the safety and security of all its citizens.”
In response to the attack, the Syrian government has deployed extra security forces to the university, promising to take “all necessary measures” to prevent further violence. However, students remain skeptical, pointing out that the government has failed to address the underlying tensions that led to the attack in the first place.
The incident marks the latest in a string of sectarian attacks targeting minority groups in Syria, particularly Alawite students and residents. With the conflict in its tenth year, Syria continues to grapple with the legacy of sectarian divisions and violence, posing significant challenges to the country’s stability and security. As tensions escalate, many fear that the country may be sliding into a full-blown sectarian civil war.
The Al-Baath University, one of Syria’s largest and most prestigious universities, has been hit hard by the conflict, with many students unable to attend classes or access basic amenities due to the ongoing violence. The recent attack has sent shockwaves through the campus, prompting calls for greater protection and security measures to ensure the safety of students.