IRIA News

4 minute read

Syria’s coastal regions have been gripped by a surge of violence, with reports indicating that gunmen and security forces linked to the country’s new Islamist rulers have killed more than 1000 people, including women and children from the Alawite minority.

The conflict, described as the worst sectarian violence in years, underscores the ongoing instability in the war-torn nation following the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Mass killings and displacement

Rami Abdulrahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, stated that the killings in Jableh, Baniyas, and surrounding areas amount to one of the deadliest massacres in Syria’s 13-year-long conflict.

According to Abdulrahman, “This is not about being pro or against the former Assad regime. These are sectarian massacres that aim to expel the Alawite population from their homes.”

The violence has triggered a mass exodus, with thousands of Alawites and Christians fleeing their homes in fear. Several hundred, mostly women, children, and the elderly, have reportedly sought refuge at the Russian Khmeimim military base in Latakia. The situation remains dire as civilians continue to be caught in the crossfire.

Syria has once again become a warzone as HTS insurgents open fire on Alawite homes in Homs. They’re murdering people based on their race. pic.twitter.com/J6YUsrXma3

— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) March 6, 2025

Government response and military crackdown

The new ruling authority, which came to power after Assad’s removal, launched a military crackdown on what it describes as a “nascent insurgency” following deadly ambushes by pro-Assad militants. A Syrian security official acknowledged that several dozen members of the security forces had been killed in clashes while also admitting to violations committed by armed civilians and rogue fighters who took advantage of the chaos.

A defense ministry source said that all roads leading to the coast had been blocked to restore order. Authorities have also established an emergency committee to investigate violations, with those found guilty of disobeying military commands set to face military courts.

Interim President Ahmed Al Sharaa addressed the crisis in a televised speech, urging security forces to exercise restraint. “Security forces should not allow anyone to exaggerate in their response, because our commitment to our values differentiates us from our enemy. When we give up on our morals, we and our enemy end up on the same side,” he stated, emphasizing the need to avoid mistreating civilians and captives.

Coordinated attacks and retaliation

Reports indicate that pro-Assad loyalists carried out coordinated assaults on security convoys, checkpoints, and military positions in the Tartous and Latakia governorates on March 6, 2025. In response, government forces launched a counter-offensive, claiming to regain control over most affected areas.

Syrian state news agency SANA quoted an unnamed security official who confirmed that “numerous people went to the coastal areas seeking revenge for the assault on government security forces. This led to some individual violations, and we are working to stop them.” A curfew remains in effect in Latakia and other key coastal regions, which have historically been strongholds of Assad’s Alawite minority.

International reactions

The violence has sparked international concern, with UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen expressing alarm at the unfolding crisis. “While the situation remains fluid and we are still determining the precise facts, there is an immediate need for restraint from all parties and full respect for the protection of civilians following international law,” Pedersen said in a statement. He warned that further escalation could destabilize Syria’s fragile transition and worsen the suffering of its people.

Meanwhile, Syrian social media has been flooded with obituaries and images mourning those killed in the recent attacks. Families and friends in the coastal region continue to grieve as reports of overnight killings, looting, and arson in Baniyas and nearby villages surface.

Challenges for Syria’s new government

The recent surge in violence poses a significant challenge to Syria’s new rulers, who have struggled to maintain stability since assuming power. Their ability to govern inclusively remains under scrutiny, particularly considering concerns raised by Western and Arab nations over the treatment of minority groups. The reported execution-style killings of Alawite men in some villages further raise questions about whether the Islamist-led administration can ensure justice and security for all Syrians.

Hasan Abdel-Ghani, spokesperson for the Syrian Ministry of Defense, told media that government forces are committed to restoring order. He insisted that fighters still resisting the new government should lay down their weapons and surrender “before it is too late.”

While security forces claim to have largely regained control of the region, tensions remain high. The scale of the violence and the deep-seated sectarian divisions indicate that Syria’s path to long-term stability will be fraught with challenges. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the new leadership can assert its authority while upholding its promises of justice and restraint.