39 civilians killed in one week amid violence, security chaos: SOHR
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Syria continues to be marred by acts of violence and security chaos, resulting in casualties.
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A Syrian Internal Security Forces officer inspects a home in Damascus, Syria, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 (AP)
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has documented the killing of 39 civilians in just one week, attributing the deaths to incidents of violence and security chaos across various regions of Syria.
The Observatory stated that this death toll underscores, once again, the rapid collapse of public security and the failure of the various competent bodies to fulfill their duty to protect civilians and safeguard their right to life.
In an earlier report, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that at least 11,226 people have been killed in the eleven months since the fall of the previous Syrian regime. The monitor noted that the country is experiencing a wave of widespread chaos and violations against civilians.
On November 16, a shooting at a cafe in the village of Umm Hartein in the western Homs countryside left four Syrian civilians dead and one wounded. The attack, carried out by unidentified gunmen, claimed the life of a local man identified as Mukhtar Wadi al-Mawla, also known as "Abu Ghazal".
Another report from the SOHR detailed a consistent pattern of severe human rights abuses across multiple Syrian regions between December 8, 2024, and November 8, 2025. These violations included unlawful killings, field executions, kidnappings, and torture, compounded by indiscriminate attacks, armed assaults, and repeated bombings targeting civilian populations.
Repeat massacres and killings threaten safety in Syria
Between 6 and 9 March 2025, Latakia and Tartous governorates witnessed deadly attacks focused targeting Alawite communities in Syria's coastal region. SOHR documented over 1,400 deaths following insurgent attacks, with evidence of looting, arson, and sectarian violence. These events highlight the continued targeting of specific communities along sectarian lines.
On June 22, 2025, a suicide bombing and shooting attack at Mar Elias Church in Damascus killed at least 22 people and injured dozens more during a religious service. This incident underscored the vulnerability of minority groups, with civilians again bearing the brunt of violence amid ongoing armed conflict.
Southern Syria also experienced deadly clashes, particularly in Sweida. From July 13-15, 2025, government forces and allied fighters engaged in operations against Druze communities, resulting in at least 1,311 deaths, including many civilians.
Earlier, between April 29 and May 1, 2025, ambushes and field executions in the same region killed dozens of Druze civilians and combatants; some victims were subjected to summary executions.
Reports from May 2025 further revealed at least 157 civilians killed nationwide, including 20 children and 11 women, with cases of torture and extrajudicial killings. These events reflect the entrenched cycle of violence, sectarian targeting, and impunity in Syria, emphasizing the urgent need for effective civilian protection, accountability mechanisms, and stronger judicial institutions.
