Thousands of Alawites trapped at Russian air base

Thousands of Syrian Alawites are sheltering at the Russian Hmeimim air base, fearing for their safety after recent sectarian massacres. About 9,000 people have sought refuge since March 7, when extremist groups attacked Alawite communities. Some individuals, like Rana Boushieh, have returned home, but many remain too afraid to leave the base. Reports indicate that government-linked forces have committed at least 54 massacres, resulting in 1,476 Alawite civilian deaths since March 6. The situation has changed since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad's government by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in December. Russia is now trying to maintain relations with this new government, which it previously opposed during its military intervention.