Syria has witnessed one of its deadliest escalations in recent months, with over 300 Alawite civilians killed in just two days.
Fighting broke out in the coastal region of Latakia as government security forces clashed with insurgents still loyal to former president Bashar al-Assad.
The violence comes after months of tension following the takeover of Syria’s government by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in December.
A Wave of Deadly Violence
According to HotNews, clashes erupted last Thursday and quickly escalated into widespread bloodshed.
The Observatory for Human Rights in Syria (OSDH) reported that 311 Alawite civilians were killed by security forces and allied militias. In total, at least 524 people have died, including 93 government soldiers and 120 pro-Assad insurgents.
The situation in Latakia, historically a stronghold of Syria’s Alawite minority, has been volatile since HTS took power.
Witnesses described widespread executions and looting as government forces conducted raids in search of armed fighters. Security reinforcements have since been deployed to the region, though reports indicate ongoing operations.
Government Response and Calls for Surrender
Syrian state news agency SANA reported that security forces repelled an attempted attack on Latakia National Hospital by pro-Assad militants.
Interim President Ahmad al-Chareh addressed the crisis on Friday, urging insurgents to surrender and warning that the government would seek to centralize all military power under state control.
The violence reportedly began when Assad loyalists launched an attack on security forces in Jableh, prompting a swift and forceful government response.
While officials claim the situation is stabilizing, observers warn that deep sectarian divisions could lead to further violence.
Syria’s Fragile Stability
While a relative calm has been reported in some areas, security forces continue to conduct operations against remaining insurgents.
Analyst Aron Lund, from the think tank Century International, argues that the instability highlights the fragile state of Syria’s new government, which now relies on radical jihadist factions to maintain control.
With sectarian tensions at a boiling point and extremist groups holding significant power, the long-term stability of Syria remains highly uncertain. Although the government has vowed to restore order, the deep-rooted divisions fueling this conflict show no sign of fading anytime soon.
