A comprehensive Deutsche Welle report unveils the systematic kidnappings of Alawite women in Syria—ongoing for months—with no adequate response from Syrian authorities.
Rising Insecurity Since Assad’s Fall
Since Bashar al‑Assad’s government collapsed in December 2024, Syria has been plagued by escalating insecurity. Kidnappings—especially targeting Alawite women—have surged in western Syria, nearly on a daily basis. Armed groups either aligned with or tolerated by the new authorities have abducted dozens, while officials either deny or ignore the issue.
‘Human Spoils’ or Symbolic Warfare?
Evidence shows that these women—some minors, others married—are seized en masse. Radical factions use them as “spoils” to assert power and force political submission amid the collapse of law enforcement .
Disturbing Echoes of Yazidi Enslavement
With no deterrence in sight, fears grow that Alawite women may suffer a fate similar to Yazidi women under ISIS—mass abduction and sexual enslavement .
Case Study: Nora’s Ordeal
Nora* was held for a month in a basement near Jableh. Masked men kidnapped her and her 11‑month‑old baby, subjected her to daily torture after discovering her Alawite background, and forced her to refuse a sham marriage contract. Photos of her torture were sent to her family to extort ransom. Once payment was made, she was released and now lives abroad, undergoing treatment for injuries and infections.
Media Exposes a Hidden Crisis
Both Reuters and DW were the first to reveal the scale of these abductions. Human rights activist Bassel Younes, based in Sweden, has documented over 40 disappearances this year—most victims are Alawite.
Sectarian Abuse and Rape
During interrogation, Nora reported sectarian insults—calling her a “pig” and “infidel”—as captors discovered her religious identity .
Authorities Silent, Activists Speak Out
DW reached out to the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, which confirmed it is preparing a detailed report. Syria’s Ministry of Interior declined comment or a press statement.
Other Victims: Iman, Maya and Her Sister
Sami revealed his sister Iman was kidnapped near Tartus. Hours later, the family received an Iraqi-numbered call saying, “Forget Iman. She will never come back.” Police dismissed the case as a runaway, but kidnappers later demanded ransom.
Similarly, Maya, 21, and her younger sister were abducted while shopping. They were blindfolded, humiliated, and insultingly questioned about their sect. Released two months later late at night, they returned home masked and traumatised. Their fate—and that of many others—remains unknown.
Sectarian Violence Escalates
A Reuters investigation documented that at least 33 Alawite women aged 16–39 have disappeared so far this year, mainly from Tartus, Latakia and Hama. Ransoms ranging from $1,500 to $100,000 were reported, with some victims sending calls or videos from abroad.
Amid mass killings of Alawite civilians in March—where hundreds were slaughtered—these abductions mark the next stage of sectarian terror.
*Names altered or abbreviated for security.
From: shabestan
