A Reuters investigation has revealed that nearly 1,500 Syrian Alawites were massacred over three days in March 2025 during a wave of sectarian violence along Syria's coastal region. The killings occurred between March 7 and 9 and involved at least a dozen factions now integrated into the new Syrian government forces, including Syrian militias, HTS, Turkish-backed militias, and foreign jihadists. The investigation identified 40 distinct sites of revenge killings, looting, and arson targeting the Alawite minority, which has long been associated with the former Assad regime. The chain of command for these attacks was traced directly to officials serving alongside Syria’s new leadership in Damascus. Victims included men, women, children, and the elderly. The violence followed an insurgency by Assad loyalists and exposed deep sectarian divisions within Syria. Despite promises by the new President Ahmed al-Sharaa to investigate the massacres, no government report has been released to date. The investigation also highlighted ongoing violence and human rights abuses by factions under international sanctions. Additionally, there have been reports of abductions and possible sex slavery of Alawite women. The findings come amid recent political developments, including the lifting of sanctions on Syria by the United States.