Violence has broken out in Syria’s coastal governates of Latakia and Tartus following clashes between the new Syrian government forces, including many former members of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and fighters, some of whom were part of the former government’s security forces. In the wake of the clashes, the government forces have carried out revenge killings of members of the Alawite community.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that over 700 Alawite civilians have been killed in 48 hours in 30 different massacres.
Graphic photos and videos have been circulated online depicting summary executions of civilians.
In a bid to deflect responsibility for civilian deaths, the Syrian government stated that the victims were killed because of “individual violations” committed by “popular unorganized masses”, who went to the coast and got involved in the clashes. The Syrian government pledged to put an end to such violations which it said “do not represent the Syrian people as a whole.”
In a statement published on the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA, Hassan Abdel Ghani, spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, said they have “achieved rapid field progress and re-imposed control over the areas that witnessed treacherous attacks against public security personnel.”
“We carried out strict encirclement operations, tightening the noose on the remnants of the defunct regime, while the forces continued to advance according to the approved operational plans.” He added. However, the Syrian official clarified that the ministry continues to deal with what he called “the remaining hotbeds of criminals”.
Although reinforcements were sent by the new government to re-impose control on the areas where the clashes have been taking place, the situation seems to be far from contained.
Following the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the newly appointed president of Syria, Ahmad al-Shara’a, previously known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, vowed to rebuild a unified state and avoid sectarianism, yet the ongoing violence has led many to question these claims.
Syria’s Alawites ask Russia for help
As violence escalated in their areas, Alawite civilians in Tartus and Latakia, gathered outside the Russian military base in Hmeimim, calling on Russia to intervene to protect the sect, and to raise the matter to the UN Security Council.
Mounting concerns about possible repercussions on regional stability
In the last decade, Syria has been a key player in geopolitical dynamics and regional security and stability. The escalation of violence in the country has prompted regional and international reactions that called for de-escalation and the avoidance of foreign intervention.
Russia
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, stated on Friday that her country is alarmed by the escalation of the situation in Syria, calling on Syrian leaders, who can influence the development of the situation on the ground “to take immediate steps to halt the bloodshed and prevent further civilian casualties”.
Russia reaffirmed its commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, while urging all influential countries in the region to contribute to de-escalation. It also confirmed “its readiness to coordinate efforts with international partners to stabilize the situation”.
Iran
The Iranian Foreign Ministry accused Israel of inciting sedition inside Syria, warning that “the unwelcome situation serves to pave the way for regional instability and further Israeli provocations”.
“The Islamic Republic strongly opposed insecurity, violence, bloodshed, and affliction of harm to innocent Syrian people by any group or faction,” the spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei, said on Friday,
“Iran considers such acts to be contributing to the spread of instability in the region and further incitement by third parties, particularly the Zionist regime,” Baghaei added.
Türkiye
Türkiye, which has deployed its troops near its border in northern Syria to launch attacks against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), denounced the escalation of events on the Syrian western coast, saying that it threatens to undermine efforts to achieve unity and solidarity in Syria.
The number one ally of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is now ruling Syria, confirmed its confidence in the new government’s ability to restore stability and security.
The spokesperson of Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry, Oncu Keceli, wrote on X: “Intensive efforts are underway to establish security and stability in Syria.”
“Türkiye opposed any action targeting the right of Syrians to live in peace and that Ankara supported Damascus.” Keceli added.
Jordan
Meanwhile, Jordan, which borders Syria from the south, affirmed on Friday its “support and solidarity with the Syrian government’s efforts to safeguard security, stability and territorial unity.”
The spokesperson of Jordan’s Foreign Ministry, Sufian Qudah, condemned “foreign interference in Syria and attempts to destabilize brotherly Syria, ignite sedition and infighting and send it into chaos.”
Qatar
For its part, Qatar labelled the attacks launched against government forces as “crimes committed by outlaw groups in Syria,” affirming its support for “all measures taken by the Syrian government to consolidate civil peace and maintain security and stability.”
Qatar reiterated its “full support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity and to achieve the aspirations of its people for freedom, development and prosperity.”
