An attack on a Syrian security patrol by gunmen loyal to deposed leader Bashar Assad has triggered intense clashes, resulting in more than 1,000 casualties over four days, according to a war monitor. The incident, which occurred near the port city of Latakia on Thursday, reignited tensions from the country’s 13-year civil war and led to the most severe violence in Syria since December. During that time, insurgents, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), toppled Assad’s regime.
The counteroffensive against Assad loyalists in the predominantly Alawite coastal region has brought chaos to several cities and towns. Rights organizations have reported numerous revenge killings by Sunni militants targeting the Alawite minority, regardless of their involvement in the insurgency.
The escalation of violence stems from escalating tensions following Assad’s ousting, which has led to sectarian attacks against Alawites who had historically ruled Syria for over 50 years under the Assad dynasty. Despite promises from Syria’s interim president to create an inclusive political future representing all communities, the assaults persist.
In the ambush, pro-Assad Alawite gunmen overpowered government security forces, seizing control of Qardaha, Assad’s hometown, before reinforcements from Damascus arrived. The Defense Ministry has since announced that security forces have regained control of the region and are pursuing leaders of the insurgency.
Most of the casualties are believed to be Alawites residing in the coastal province, particularly in Latakia and Tartous. The Alawite sect, a branch of Shia Islam, formed a significant part of Assad’s support base in the Sunni-majority country.
Opposition to Assad’s rule perceived favoritism towards Alawites, leading to the emergence of militant groups associating Alawites with Assad and his allies, Russia and Iran. The new Sunni Islamist-led interim government, under President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, aims to transition Syria towards a more inclusive system through fair elections, though doubts persist.
The Alawite insurgency, comprising remnants of Assad’s military and intelligence apparatus, remains largely mysterious, along with their foreign supporters. The violence has claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians, government security personnel, and armed group members linked to Assad.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported numerous civilian casualties, while advocacy groups accused both security forces and pro-Assad gunmen of carrying out mass executions. Amid the turmoil, critical infrastructure like electricity and drinking water has been disrupted in areas surrounding Latakia.
On Thursday, several forces were killed, with an estimated 125 out of 140 civilians reportedly slain over the weekend in what are believed to be revenge killings. The accuracy of these numbers could not be verified by The Associated Press, as conflicting reports on casualty figures have been common during attacks in Syria. Residents in the coastal region revealed that numerous homes belonging to Alawite families were looted and set on fire. Speaking from their hiding places under the condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, they shared these distressing details.
The violence against civilians was attributed by Damascus to “individual actions,” with government security forces being deployed to combat armed groups loyal to the previous regime. The question arises: Can Damascus restore peace following these clashes?
Damascus has faced challenges in gaining the trust of critics of its Islamist rule, as well as in managing relationships with Kurdish-led authorities in the northeast and the Druze minority in the south. Al-Sharaa has been advocating for the lifting of sanctions by the United States and Europe to facilitate economic recovery, alleviate poverty, and revitalize the country.
However, Washington and Europe are cautious about lifting sanctions before Syria transitions to an inclusive political system, fearing a return to autocratic governance. Al-Sharaa called for accountability for those who harm civilians and mistreat prisoners, acknowledging the prevalent human rights violations under Assad. A committee, predominantly comprised of judges, was established by Al-Sharaa to investigate the violence.
In a statement released on Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Syrian authorities to hold the perpetrators of these massacres accountable. Rubio expressed solidarity with Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities, including Christians, Druze, Alawites, and Kurds.
