Heavy clashes between security forces and fighters loyal to deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have left dozens dead in the country’s coastal region, marking the deadliest violence since opposition forces overthrew his regime last year.
Fighting erupted on Thursday in Latakia and Tartous, home to Syria’s Alawite minority sect, with security personnel and government-aligned militias engaging in fierce battles. Hasan Abdel-Ghani, spokesperson for the Syrian Defence Ministry, confirmed to Al Jazeera that Assad loyalists launched coordinated attacks on multiple security installations, killing several personnel.
While Syrian authorities have not released an official death toll, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that at least 130 people, including security officers, fighters, and civilians, had been killed in two days of violence. The numbers, however, could not be independently verified.
Spiralling violence
The clashes began in the Jableh area, with reports of armed groups targeting security checkpoints before violence spread to surrounding villages. On Friday, pro-Assad fighters reportedly stormed the villages of Sheer, Mukhtariyeh, and Haffah, where they allegedly executed dozens of men. Beirut-based Al Mayadeen TV stated that more than 30 men were killed in Mukhtariyeh after being separated from women and children.
State-run news agency SANA, quoting a security source, downplayed the severity of the violence, referring to it as “individual violations” caused by unorganised groups. The source claimed that security forces were taking steps to restore order.
Omar Al Hajj, Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Tartous, reported that authorities lost control in several neighbourhoods following the rebellion. However, reinforcements from other provinces launched a large-scale operation to regain control in Latakia, Tartous, and Banias.
Latakia’s police chief later confirmed that security forces had lifted a siege on military sites in the city, though fighting persisted in other areas.
Regional concerns grow
The escalation of violence presents a major challenge for interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose administration has been working to stabilise Syria amid efforts to ease United States sanctions. The unrest also comes as Israel remains wary of Damascus’s military movements in the southwest.
Fearing for their safety, groups of residents gathered outside the Russian air base near Jableh on Friday, seeking protection from Moscow. While Russia intervened militarily in Syria in 2015 to support al-Assad, it has since established ties with the new administration following his ouster.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow was ready to coordinate “de-escalation” efforts with international partners. She urged Syrian leaders to take immediate action to prevent further bloodshed.
Iran, another longtime ally of Assad, expressed concern over the latest developments. “Iran strongly opposes violence, the killing of innocent Syrians, and any actions that could destabilise the region,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said.
Neighbouring Turkiye also issued a statement warning against potential provocations in Latakia. “Such actions must not threaten Syria’s peace and regional stability,” said Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli.
Alawite tensions persist
Alawite activists have voiced concerns over increasing violence against their community following Assad’s fall. Attacks have been reported in rural areas of Homs and Latakia, with members of the sect fearing reprisals.
While President al-Sharaa has pledged an inclusive approach to governance, no formal discussions have taken place between his administration and key Alawite leaders. This contrasts with outreach efforts directed at other minority groups, including Kurds, Christians, and Druze.
Under Assad, Alawites held significant power within the military and security forces. The new government has blamed his loyalists for recent attacks against state security institutions.
