Women from Syria’s Alawite minority report kidnappings and sexual violence after the regime’s fall, with activists alleging dozens missing and victims accusing authorities of failing to properly investigate the abuses.
WEBDESK – Source: BBC News Arabic
Women belonging to Syria’s Alawite minority say they have been kidnapped, assaulted, and threatened in the months following the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad’s government, according to testimonies gathered by the BBC.
Several survivors described being abducted by armed men, held in secret locations, and subjected to violence, while families accuse authorities of failing to properly investigate the cases.
Pattern of disappearances
Rights group Syrian Feminist Lobby says more than 80 women have been reported missing since early 2025, with at least 26 confirmed kidnappings. Most of the cases involve Alawites, a Shia-linked sect that makes up about a tenth of Syria’s population.
The reports span a period marked by sectarian unrest in western coastal areas, where over a thousand civilians were killed earlier in the year during clashes linked to supporters of the former regime and forces aligned with the new authorities.
Survivors recount abduction and assault
Victims told the BBC they were taken from their homes or villages by men posing as security personnel. Some said they were interrogated about community members, while others described being beaten and sexually assaulted during captivity.
One teenager said she was held underground for two days and threatened with being sold, while another woman reported repeated rape during a week-long detention. Families say the experiences have left deep psychological trauma, including insomnia and fear of retaliation.
Accusations of weak investigations
Several victims claim security officials dismissed or mocked their complaints, and families reported receiving threatening phone calls warning them not to speak publicly.
Authorities previously stated many missing-person reports were misunderstandings or unrelated incidents, though a security source acknowledged some kidnappings had occurred and that certain personnel were dismissed.
Human rights organizations say the lack of clear accountability has created an atmosphere where abuses continue without consequences.
Fear and stigma persist
Some victims have fled the country, while others remain silent due to social stigma and fear of reprisals. Activists warn the attacks appear intended to intimidate a minority community already vulnerable after political upheaval.
For survivors, the impact continues long after release, with families describing ongoing anxiety and reluctance to seek justice despite the trauma they endured.
