The escalation of violence in northwest Syria has resulted in over 400 deaths, marking the deadliest clashes since Bashar al-Assad’s fall three months ago. Syrian security forces and allied gunmen killed more than 340 civilians in two days, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The killings, described as acts of revenge, included women and children executed by firing squad near Tartus, an Assad stronghold. SOHR also reported the deaths of 50 government troops and 45 Assad loyalists.
Videos have surfaced showing bodies in the streets of Latakia, another Assad stronghold. Many victims are said to belong to the Alawite community, a minority sect closely tied to the Assad regime. The clashes began near Jableh when an attempt to detain a wanted individual led to ambushes and retaliatory attacks. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa faces growing challenges in maintaining stability and reuniting Syria, as tensions persist in coastal areas and Alawite strongholds.
Sharaa has urged armed groups loyal to the former government to surrender, but key regions remain under the control of Assad loyalists. Western nations are cautiously observing Sharaa’s leadership, particularly given his past associations with extremist groups. The ongoing conflict underscores the enduring divisions in post-Assad Syria.