Sectarian violence escalates in Syria's Homs amid official complacency

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: SOHR
Today 15:42
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Homs witnesses a surge in sectarian violence, with 8 killings recorded in 72 hours.

A member of the Syrian security forces fires a heavy machine gun during raids on Homs, Syria, on January 3, 2025 (AP)

The Syrian city of Homs is experiencing a significant surge in sectarian violence, with the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reporting eight killings over the past 72 hours, seven of which are attributed to sectarian motives.

Among the victims were two women, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of these attacks. This uptick brings the total number of sectarian-related deaths in Homs to 359 since the beginning of the year, making it the most affected governorate in Syria in 2025, according to SOHR.

Married couple shot dead

A married couple was shot dead outside a commercial establishment on Bab al-Darib Street, the organization said. Additionally, a middle-aged Alawite man was killed while working on a street stall in the Wadi al-Dahab district, while his son sustained injuries in the attack.

The SOHR warns that the continued impunity for such acts is exacerbating sectarian tensions and threatening to unravel the social cohesion in Homs. The organization emphasizes the urgent need for effective security measures and accountability to prevent further escalation.

Pattern of sectarian violence

The surge in sectarian attacks in Homs mirrors a broader pattern of violence across Syria.

In the southern governorate of Sweida, clashes between Druze communities and militias have claimed over 1,400 lives since mid-2025 and displaced more than 128,000 residents.

Meanwhile, Syria’s coastal region, predominantly Alawite, has witnessed targeted killings and property destruction, contributing to a climate of fear and instability.

Observers warn that the lack of decisive government intervention in these areas is allowing sectarian tensions to deepen, further threatening the cohesion of local communities and the country’s fragile social fabric. Despite the gravity of the situation, there has been a notable absence of official response, raising concerns about the authorities' commitment to addressing the crisis.