Post by : Naveen Mittal

Photo: X / PiQNewswire

How Syrian Forces Marked Alawite Homes and Forced Families to Leave

In late August, Syrian security forces entered a rundown suburb of Damascus called al-Somaria. Armed with guns, swords, and eviction orders, they went door to door in the neighborhood, telling residents whether they could stay in their homes or had to leave.

The forces spray-painted homes with large black letters "X" and "O." An "X" meant that the residents could stay, while an "O" meant they had to leave. These markings were used to decide which families were allowed to remain and which had to evacuate immediately.

Background: Why Al-Somaria Was Targeted

Al-Somaria is home to thousands of families belonging to the Alawite group, a minority in Syria. Many of them are related to former soldiers in Bashar al-Assad’s army. Assad’s family ruled Syria for over 50 years, during which time they gave land and important jobs to members of the Alawite group. At the same time, they suppressed the majority Sunni Muslim population.

After Assad’s fall nine months ago, the country faced chaos. Armed groups turned against Alawites, accusing them of benefiting from the old regime. Al-Somaria became a target because of its connection to Assad’s rule.

How the Evictions Happened

Between August 27 and 29, teams led by a commander known as Abu Hudhayfah visited the homes in al-Somaria. They asked families for documents proving ownership of their property. Those who couldn’t show proof were given eviction notices and their homes were marked with an "O." Others with valid documents or considered loyal were given an "X."

The eviction orders, written in Arabic, warned residents that they must leave within 48 hours or face punishment. These notices were signed by an organization called the “Public Housing Committee of the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic,” but no one knew much about this committee.

Residents reported that some homes had both "X" and "O" markings because different teams of security forces came at different times. Some homes with "X" markings also had eviction notices, which created more fear.

Dozens of men were questioned about whether they served in Assad’s army. Some were taken to a building converted into a police station where they were beaten.

One resident, Ali Barakat, a lawyer working on his doctorate, said even he was attacked. He said, “My father bought this house with hard work. I’ve lived here for 40 years. I will not leave.”

The Impact on Families

Before the eviction, around 22,000 people lived in al-Somaria, almost half from former army families. Within a week, only about 3,000 remained. Many families fled in fear rather than being physically removed.

By early September, the district looked deserted. Streets were empty, and homes had no lights or cars. Security forces guarded the main entrance, preventing outsiders from entering.

Though it was unclear whether anyone was physically forced out, the fear and intimidation made families leave their homes overnight.

The History Behind Al-Somaria

Al-Somaria became a settlement in the 1970s. Assad’s family expelled Sunni residents and gave housing to Alawite soldiers and their families. The homes were small, cheap, and often poorly built.

The name "al-Somaria" came from the son of Assad’s uncle. This area formed a belt of loyal supporters that protected the government’s power.

During the recent raids, even families with ownership papers were told their documents were invalid because they came from the Assad era.

The Government’s Response

Damascus Governor Maher Marwan said on September 3 that the evictions were the result of “unjust land seizures and corruption” over many years. He promised the government would resolve the problem fairly and transparently but didn’t explain how.

He said legal committees would review property rights, but nothing more was said.

What Experts Say

Miloon Kothari, a former UN expert on housing rights, called the raids a violation of human rights. He said forced evictions destroy communities and leave people homeless.

He added that if the new Syrian government wants to follow international law, it must stop these evictions and protect the people’s rights.

Plans for Al-Somaria’s Future

The new Syrian government is planning big infrastructure projects in Damascus, including a $2 billion metro system. One of the metro stops is planned for al-Somaria, with parking for hundreds of cars.

The government’s challenge is how to deal with the property issues left by Assad’s rule without causing more tensions.

Experts say that any development must respect the rights and safety of residents. Forced evictions create more problems and conflict.

Communal Tensions Continue

Other areas of Damascus that were given to Assad’s supporters are now being examined. Communities are angry, and many want their land back.

For example, a shopkeeper from the neighboring Sunni suburb said his family had once owned land in al-Somaria but gave up reclaiming it years ago.

With Assad’s fall, some people now want to take back control of the areas that were seized by the former regime.

A Bigger Problem Across Syria

The eviction in al-Somaria is a sign of the bigger problem Syria faces. Decades of corruption and forced relocations have left deep wounds between communities.

As the new government tries to rebuild the country, it must address these issues carefully. Any solution should avoid making life harder for vulnerable groups.

Conclusion

The eviction of families in al-Somaria shows how Syria’s troubled past is affecting its present. The government faces a difficult task—fixing land ownership problems while keeping peace and protecting human rights.

The way Syria handles this situation will shape the future of its people, especially those living in neighborhoods caught in the crossfire of politics, history, and war.