Almost 200 people have lost their lives in violent clashes in Syria, marking one of the bloodiest episodes since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the fighting erupted on Thursday afternoon in the Latakia region, a coastal area that was once a stronghold for Assad’s regime.
The violence began when fighters loyal to the new government attacked three villages—Sheer, Mukhtariyeh, and Haffah—in retaliation for assaults on government security forces by Assad loyalists. The Observatory stated that 69 men were killed in these villages alone, with reports indicating that government forces also suffered significant losses, including at least 50 members killed, along with 45 fighters loyal to Assad.
The unrest escalated after government forces attempted to detain a wanted individual near the coastal city of Jableh. This operation was met with an ambush by Assad loyalists, igniting the violence that followed. The new government, led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has vowed to pursue the remnants of the Assad regime and bring them to justice.
In response to the escalating violence, the government has sent reinforcements to Latakia and nearby cities, imposing curfews in affected areas. Security forces have been deployed to restore order, but minor clashes have continued. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with one local official stating that many people flocked to the coast seeking revenge for the earlier attacks on government forces.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions in Syria, particularly among the Alawite community, which has faced increased sectarian violence since the regime change. UN Special Envoy Geir O Pedersen has urged all parties involved to avoid actions that could worsen the situation and hinder efforts for a peaceful resolution.
As the violence continues, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the ongoing conflict that has resulted in immense suffering and displacement over the years.