Security forces under Syria’s transitional government clashed fiercely with loyalists of deposed President Bashar al-Assad along the country’s coast. This marks the worst violence since Assad’s removal in December 2024. The fighting has erupted in cities like Homs, Latakia, and Tartous.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitoring group, reported over 70 deaths. These include civilians, government troops, and pro-Assad gunmen. Verified videos analyzed by BBC Verify show gunmen attacking buildings in Homs, sparking fires. Other clips depict bodies being dragged through Latakia’s streets. Authorities imposed curfews in multiple cities to control the unrest.
The coastal region is home to Syria’s Alawite minority and serves as the Assad family’s stronghold. SOHR confirmed that 35 government soldiers, 32 pro-Assad fighters, and four civilians died in the clashes. Dozens more sustained injuries. Local witnesses described the violence as indiscriminate. One Sunni resident told BBC Arabic, “They showed no mercy.” He condemned attacks on paramedics and civilians alike.
Fear grips the Alawite community. A resident explained, “Everyone is terrified of becoming scapegoats.” The interim government issued warnings to Assad loyalists. Defense Ministry spokesman Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani urged them to surrender. He said, “Thousands have already laid down their weapons. The choice is clear: stop fighting or face your fate.”
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa faces growing challenges. Clashes with Druze factions erupted in southern Syria. Activists accuse the new government of targeting Alawite villages. Earlier this week, Syria’s foreign minister pledged to destroy chemical weapons stockpiles from Assad’s era. Assad’s regime denied using such weapons during the 14-year civil war. However, activists accused it of carrying out dozens of chemical attacks.
