The fighters attacked several villages close to the coastline, resulting in the death of numerous men presumed to be associated with the former regime of President Bashar Assad.
The conflicts between the two sides represent the highest level of violence since the overthrow of Assad’s government in early December by insurgent groups led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The newly established government has pledged to reunite Syria after enduring 14 years of civil war.
The attacks on the coastal villages commenced on Thursday and continued into Friday, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Over 200 individuals have lost their lives since the fighting began, according to the Britain-based group. In addition to approximately 140 individuals killed in apparent reprisal attacks in the villages, the toll includes at least 50 members of Syria’s government forces and 45 fighters loyal to Assad. The civil war that has plagued Syria since March 2011 has resulted in more than half a million deaths and millions of displaced individuals.
The recent clashes were ignited when government forces attempted to apprehend a wanted individual near the coastal city of Jableh on Thursday and were ambushed by Assad loyalists, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
On Thursday and Friday, gunmen loyal to the new government stormed the villages of Sheer, Mukhtariyeh, and Haffah near the coast, resulting in the deaths of 69 men, while no women were reportedly harmed, as stated by the observatory.
“They targeted and killed every man they encountered,” reported Rami Abdurrahman, the head of the observatory.
Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen TV also reported the incidents, stating that over 30 men were killed in the village of Mukhtariyeh alone.
Furthermore, 60 individuals were killed in the town of Baniyas, including women and children, as mentioned by the observatory.
Syrian authorities have not released an official death toll; however, Syria’s state news agency SANA cited an unidentified security official stating that numerous individuals went to the coast in search of revenge for recent attacks on government security forces. The official emphasized that the government is working to prevent such violations.
Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa addressed the nation in a video statement, urging armed groups affiliated with the former government to surrender their weapons and those loyal to the new government to refrain from attacking civilians or mistreating prisoners.
“When we compromise our principles, we reduce ourselves to the same level as our enemy,” he stated. “The remnants of the fallen regime are seeking a provocation that will lead to violations, allowing them to seek refuge.”
Numerous people gathered outside the Russian air base in Syria, requesting Moscow’s protection. Russia’s involvement in Syria’s conflict dates back to 2015, when they aligned with Assad, although they have since established ties with the new government. Assad has been residing in Moscow since his departure from Syria in December.
Despite the attacks, the coastal towns of Jableh and Baniyas remain under the control of Assad loyalists, along with other Alawite villages nearby and Assad’s hometown of Qardaha, located in the mountains overlooking Latakia.
Gregory Waters, an associate fellow with the Middle East Institute, expressed concern that the recent violence may intensify sectarian tensions and create conditions for further conflicts.
Meanwhile, scores of people gathered in Damascus to express support for the new government and condemned the violence, emphasizing the unity of the Syrian people.
Russia’s foreign ministry issued a statement indicating close coordination efforts with foreign partners to swiftly de-escalate the situation and uphold the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic.
Turkey warned that the ongoing fighting poses a significant threat to the new government, urging all parties involved to contribute to Syria’s stability.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/2025/03/08/fighters-loyal-to-syrias-government-kill-dozens-in-reprisal-attacks
