Dozens reported killed as Syrian forces and pro-Assad fighters clash

Recent clashes have erupted in the coastal region of Syria, with intense fighting between militants loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad and security forces, lasting for two days. Reportedly, this marks the most severe outbreak of violence in the country since opposition forces overthrew Assad's regime last year, resulting in dozens of casualties and injuries. The situation underscores the fragility of the current peace and the lingering tensions within the country.

Syrian Defense Ministry spokesperson Hassan Abdul-Ghani revealed to Al Jazeera that Assad-loyalist militants attacked security forces in multiple locations across the Latakia and Tartus provinces on Thursday. These two provinces are predominantly inhabited by the Alawite minority group to which the Assad family belongs, and the attacks resulted in the deaths of "several security forces personnel" in a meticulously planned operation. The attacks demonstrate the continued capacity of pro-Assad elements to organize and execute coordinated assaults.

Official figures regarding the exact death toll have not yet been released. However, the war monitor "Syrian Observatory for Human Rights" (SOHR) stated on Friday that the fighting over the past two days has led to the deaths of over 130 people, including security forces personnel, militants, and civilians. Al Jazeera reports that independent verification of the death toll is currently not possible. The conflicting reports highlight the difficulty in obtaining accurate information amidst the ongoing conflict.

The violence escalated on Thursday, with authorities stating that militias aligned with Assad attacked security patrols and checkpoints in and around the Jableh area, after which the conflict expanded. According to SOHR, on Friday, pro-government militants attacked villages near the Syrian coast, including Hir, Mukhtariyah, and Haffa, resulting in the deaths of dozens of men. Al Mayadeen television, based in Beirut, reported that in Mukhtariyah, more than 30 men were killed after being separated from women and children. These reports suggest a targeted campaign against perceived opponents of the former regime.

Syrian state news agency SANA, citing security sources, stated that a large number of unorganized people flocked to the coastal region following the attacks on government security personnel, leading to "individual violations." The source stated, "We are working to stop these violations," but did not provide specific details. Al Jazeera correspondent Omar Haji reported from Tartus that authorities had lost control of several neighborhoods following a "rebellion," but that "reinforcements from different provinces and regions" had launched a "large-scale security operation" in Tartus, Latakia, and Baniyas. The government's response indicates a determination to regain control and suppress the unrest.

The Latakia police chief told Al Jazeera that the city was under control by Friday afternoon, and the sieges of military and security sites had been lifted. Meanwhile, clashes in other areas continued. According to SANA, coastal cities such as Tartus and Latakia announced curfews on Friday. These violent events have shaken interim President Ahmed Shala'a's efforts to consolidate control, as his government struggles to lift US sanctions and address broader security challenges, particularly in the southwest, where Israel has stated it will prevent Damascus from deploying troops. The instability threatens to undermine the fragile transition process.

On Friday, some people gathered outside the main Russian airbase near the Syrian town of Jableh, requesting protection from Moscow. Russia intervened in the Syrian war in 2015, siding with Assad, although Russia has also established contact with the new authorities following Assad's downfall. Assad has been residing in Moscow since last December, when he left Syria for Moscow as opposition offensives approached Damascus. The appeal to Russia highlights the continued influence of external actors in the Syrian conflict.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow is ready to coordinate efforts with foreign partners to "de-escalate the situation." She urged "authoritative Syrian leaders who can influence the development of the local situation to do their utmost to end the bloodshed as soon as possible." Iran, a long-time supporter of Assad, warned on Friday that the violence in Syria could lead to regional instability, state media reported. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei stated: "Iran strongly opposes insecurity, violence, killing and injuring of innocent Syrians by all groups and tribes and considers it a catalyst for regional instability." The international community's concern underscores the potential for the conflict to spill over into neighboring countries.

Neighboring Turkey warned on Friday that "provocations" in Latakia province threaten peace. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli wrote on X: "Such provocations that threaten the peace of Syria and our region must never be allowed." Alawite activists have stated that their community has suffered violence and attacks since Assad's downfall, particularly in the rural areas of Homs and Latakia. The Turkish statement reflects regional concerns about the potential for further escalation and instability.

Although Shala'a has pledged to govern Syria in an inclusive manner, no announced meetings have taken place between him and senior Alawite figures, in contrast to members of other minority groups such as Kurds, Christians, and Druze. Under Assad's rule, Alawite members held key positions in the military and security apparatus. The new government has accused his loyalists of launching attacks on the country's new security forces in recent weeks. The lack of engagement with Alawite leaders raises concerns about potential marginalization and further unrest.