'We will rescue anyone': BBC accompanies Syria's White Helmets after deadly attacks

Syria: White Helmets Respond to Coastal Violence

Following recent violent outbreaks in Syria’s coastal region, including reported mass civilian fatalities as alleged retribution for attacks on Syrian security forces, volunteer rescuers swiftly mobilized to provide assistance.

White Helmets’ Background and Expansion

These responders were part of the Syrian civil defense organization, the White Helmets, previously active in opposition-held territories during the civil conflict.

After the removal of Bashar al-Assad from the presidency in December, the White Helmets entered Damascus, Syria’s capital, receiving a hero’s welcome from opposition supporters.

Since then, their operations have expanded to encompass more areas across the nation affected by war.

Recent Violence and Victims

The majority of casualties in the recent violence, which unfolded over several days earlier this month, were Alawites. Alawites are an offshoot of Shia Islam and the minority sect of the former president, Assad.

White Helmets’ Neutral Stance

Abdulkafi Kayal, operations director for the White Helmets in coastal Syria, stated to the BBC that their group’s work transcends political affiliations. “When we undertake a rescue operation for someone in distress, we do not inquire about their religious beliefs or political stances,” Kayal asserted. “Our mission is to aid those in need.”

Accusations and International Recognition

Throughout the civil war, Assad’s regime had labeled the White Helmets as a terrorist entity, claiming collaboration with armed insurgents. However, the White Helmets consistently maintained their neutrality as a humanitarian organization, earning global acclaim for their efforts.

Mr. Kayal emphasized, “We are Syrians, and we cannot prioritize care for one region over another. This is our homeland, and we see ourselves as a resource to serve all Syrians.”

Escalation of Conflict in Syria

This recent surge in violence marks the most severe episode in Syria since interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa led the swift rebel campaign that resulted in Assad’s removal.

Tensions had been growing since December, following an ambush where Assad loyalists killed 14 interior ministry personnel, occurring two weeks after the former president’s ousting.

Commitment to Serving All Syrians

“We are here to serve everyone without discrimination,” Mr. Kayal reiterated.

“Our motto is ‘To save one life is to save all of humanity.’ It is immaterial whether the individual is Muslim, Sunni, Alawite, Christian, Druze, or even atheist. These families are our families.”

White Helmets in Tartous After Massacre Reports

Last week, BBC News accompanied White Helmets volunteers as they commenced operations in Tartous, prompted by reports of a massacre in Barmada village.

The team recovered ten bodies of government soldiers from a valley, appearing to have been thrown from a hillside. Their bound hands and legs suggested capture by opposing forces.

Conflicting Accounts and Unverified Claims

Saber, a state security officer present at the site, blamed Assad loyalists for the deaths of hundreds of his colleagues. BBC News could not independently confirm this accusation.

Challenges in Post-Assad Syria

“When Syria was liberated from the Assad regime, we endeavored to maintain control and unify Syria, encompassing all its provinces and communities, to reconstruct a new Syria that would inspire pride in the Middle East,” Saber stated.

However, he acknowledged the difficulties, noting that “upon assuming control of the country, we faced internal challenges with anti-Assad militias, many of whom were victims of chemical attacks, bombings, massacres, and numerous atrocities that inflicted severe psychological trauma.”

Visual Evidence and Civilian Accounts

Available online images and videos purportedly depict soldiers killing civilians, including children, in the coastal regions where the Alawite killings took place.

Maen, a resident, recounted to BBC News the deaths of his son and aunt at the hands of security forces. He buried them in his courtyard to keep them nearby.

“We suffered under Assad, and now we face persecution under this new administration,” Maen lamented.

Maen’s wife, grieving, questioned while looking at her son’s photograph, “What did he do? He was 20 and harmed no one.”

Government Investigation and Future Stability

Interim President al-Sharaa has established an independent committee to investigate the fatalities and affirmed that those responsible will be held accountable.

However, to avert a renewed civil war, many believe the government must demonstrate its capacity to safeguard Alawites and guarantee the rights of all citizens within the newly formed Syria.