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Violent confrontations have erupted between Syrian security forces under the newly established Islamist regime and supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, particularly impacting the western coastal region, where over 70 fatalities have been reported, according to a war monitoring group. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights disclosed that fighting began on Thursday and appears to be coordinated across key coastal areas, marking a significant escalation that poses a serious challenge for the new government in Damascus.
This conflict arises as the recently empowered former insurgents aim to unify the country after enduring 14 years of devastating civil war. In response to the escalating situation, the government has dispatched additional military resources to strategic coastal cities such as Latakia and Tartus, along with surrounding towns that are a stronghold for Assad’s Alawite community, which has historically supported his regime.
State media reports indicate that this is the most intense violence witnessed since the overthrow of Assad’s government in December at the hands of various insurgent factions, including the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The new authorities have acknowledged some sectarian violence targeting Alawites but assert their commitment to preventing widespread retribution or sectarian bloodshed.
Under the Assad regime, the Alawite minority occupied prominent positions within military and security institutions. The current government has attributed recent hostilities against its security forces to loyalties among Assad’s supporters.
On Friday morning, a significant military presence was observed in Latakia, where a curfew remained effective across several coastal areas. Reports indicate minor skirmishes in one neighborhood, but overall, Latakia appeared to be stable and under government control.
Casualty Reports Chain
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the clashes have resulted in the deaths of 35 government forces, 32 Assad loyalists, and four civilians. Observers noted that areas on the outskirts of Baniyas and Jableh remain under the control of Assad’s supporters, including his hometown, Qardaha, and various Alawite villages.
Residents of Qardaha described a dire situation, with one individual relaying via text message that government forces were heavily firing in residential areas. Another resident expressed their inability to leave their home due to the ferocity of the gunfire.
In Damascus, supporters of the Assad regime rallied together to express solidarity with the security forces engaged in battles against Assad loyalists.
Gregory Waters, an associate fellow at the Middle East Institute with expertise in Syria’s coastal regions, noted that he does not anticipate this flare-up leading to prolonged combat. However, he raised concerns that it may ignite cycles of violence among the diverse civilian populations along the coastline. He cautioned that any aggression by government forces could instill fear among younger Alawite men, potentially leading them to join the armed insurgency.
According to Abdulrahman from the Observatory, the initial clash was triggered when government troops attempted to apprehend a wanted individual near Jableh and fell into an ambush set by loyalists of Assad.
Seeking Russian Intervention
In light of the violence, crowds gathered outside the main Russian airbase near Jableh, appealing to Moscow for assistance. Since intervening in the Syrian conflict in 2015 to support Assad, Russia has begun to establish connections with the new authorities. Following his ousting in December, Assad has reportedly taken refuge in Moscow.
When questioned about the recent outbreaks of hostilities and any implications for Russian military personnel, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov assured that the security of Russian troops is being managed appropriately, although he refrained from commenting on the specifics of the operational situation due to a lack of detailed information.
The Syrian conflict, which began in March 2011, has resulted in more than 500,000 deaths and has displaced millions of individuals, marking one of the most devastating humanitarian crises of our time.
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