The new authorities in Syria have bolstered the presence of military security forces in the coastal region of the country, specifically in the western areas, as part of efforts to assert control over territories that have witnessed violent clashes.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, over 500 Alawite civilians have been killed by security forces and allied militia groups over the past two days.
Violent Clashes Leave Hundreds Dead
Local residents in Syria’s coastal region reported widespread killings during ongoing military operations and clashes between the new authorities’ forces and opposition fighters. The violence, which began two days ago, has been described as the fiercest since the fall of the previous regime on December 8.
The Syrian Observatory confirmed the deaths of 532 Alawite civilians in Syria’s coastal areas and the Latakia mountains, allegedly at the hands of security forces and affiliated groups. The deaths are said to have been part of targeted sectarian and regional executions, accompanied by “field executions” and widespread looting of homes and property.
The total death toll from the ongoing violence has now reached 745, including 213 fighters from both sides. The Observatory reported 93 casualties among the military forces loyal to the new authorities and 120 among opposition fighters.
Several mass graves are being prepared in Tartous to bury the dozens of Alawites who were massacred by HTS forces.
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Rising Fears of Escalating Human Rights Violations
Amid these alarming developments, warnings have intensified regarding the worsening violations against civilians, especially with reports of field executions and enforced disappearances in the coastal region. These acts are feared to escalate tensions further, potentially igniting new cycles of revenge-driven violence.
Syria-based sources reported indiscriminate attacks on civilians along sectarian and regional lines, while calls for an independent investigation into these atrocities have grown louder. Many have demanded accountability to prevent further escalation and to avoid plunging the country into deeper sectarian strife.
Testimonies of Violations from the Ground
Local testimonies from Syria’s coastal region confirm the involvement of armed groups aligned with the new Syrian government. These groups have been accused of carrying out abductions and forced disappearances in areas like the village of al-Sunubar in the Jableh countryside.
Reports also indicate that armed groups executed entire families after forcibly entering their homes, despite these families having no direct involvement in the fighting elsewhere. Additional reports from Baniyas and Jableh indicated civilian deaths, including several academics, doctors, and intellectuals.
In Baniyas, an eyewitness, Samir Haidar (67), recounted how “armed groups,” including “foreign elements,” killed civilians by shooting them.
#اللاذقية
فيديو من قوات القتال الليلي يظهر عناصر الميليشيات الإرهابية المسلحة أثناء محاصرتها عقب الهجوم الغادر على المشفى الوطني في مدينة اللاذقية.كيف وصل هؤلاء المسلحين إلى داخل المنازل المحيطة بالمشفى ونفذوا هجومهم؟؟
هل المهاجمين هم أصحاب المنازل أم متعاونين مع المسلحين أم… pic.twitter.com/Jn0L2z5Cdw
— المرصد السوري_Syrian Observatory (@AlmarsadSyria) March 8, 2025
Security Forces Reinforced
Although clashes subsided on Saturday, Syrian state news reported that security forces had reinforced their presence, especially in Banias, Latakia, and Jableh, aiming to “maintain security.”
Syria’s interim government spokesperson, Hassan Abdul Ghani, urged all field units to strictly follow military and security instructions, prohibiting any interference with civilians or homes unless authorized by defense officers.
The International Committee of the Red Cross called for respect for civilian lives and safe access for humanitarian workers to provide medical assistance and evacuate the wounded and deceased.
Tensions began Thursday in rural Latakia after security forces arrested a wanted individual, leading to clashes when fighters opened fire on government troops, according to the Syrian Observatory.
Social media posts, particularly on Facebook, shared accounts of civilians from the Alawite community being killed, with one activist reporting that her mother and siblings were “slaughtered” in their home.
Residents of Banias called for intervention to protect them, with several distress posts on Facebook.
Videos shared by activists and the Observatory on Friday showed dozens of civilian bodies piled together in front of a house, with blood stains nearby, as women wept in the background. Other footage showed soldiers forcing individuals to crawl before shooting them at close range.
Since the regime’s fall, reports of retaliatory acts, including home confiscations, field executions, and abductions, have surfaced intermittently, though authorities dismiss them as “isolated incidents” and pledge to hold those responsible accountable.
Source: Al-Manar Website
