Fighters loyal to Syria’s former President Bashar Assad launched violent reprisal attacks in several coastal villages, killing at least 140 people, including both men linked to the former regime and members of Syria’s current government forces. The attacks took place over two days, starting Thursday and continuing into Friday.
The violence, described as the worst since Assad’s government was overthrown in December 2024, erupted after government forces tried to detain a wanted person near Jableh. Assad loyalists ambushed the forces, leading to deadly confrontations. The clashes left more than 200 people dead, including civilians and fighters from both sides.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 69 men were killed in the coastal villages of Sheer, Mukhtariyeh, and Haffah, with no women reported among the victims. Attacks also took place in Baniyas, where more than 60 people, including women and children, were killed. Local sources and media outlets reported that these acts were in retaliation for attacks on government security forces.
Syria’s state-run news agency reported an increase in violence following clashes, though no official death toll has been confirmed by the government. Authorities have sent reinforcements to Latakia and other coastal towns, which are home to Assad’s Alawite sect, his main base of support.
The ongoing unrest threatens to escalate sectarian violence in the region, as both sides continue to struggle for control of the coast. The new government, formed after Assad’s fall, has blamed loyalists of the former regime for exacerbating tensions. Despite the violence, authorities are committed to maintaining unity and preventing collective punishment.
Russia, which has supported Assad’s government, has expressed concern over the situation and is coordinating with foreign partners to de-escalate the violence. Meanwhile, Turkey warned that the continued fighting could jeopardize the stability of the new government.
As the conflict deepens, civilians are caught in the crossfire, with some seeking protection from Russia’s airbase in Syria. The international community is closely watching Syria’s fragile security situation as the country grapples with its tumultuous future.