On March 6, armed supporters of Bashar al-Assad attacked security forces in Lattakia, leading to significant violence and civilian casualties. The Military Council for the Liberation of Syria’s emergence and the chaotic integration of armed groups complicate governance during Syria’s transition. In response, President al-Sharaa announced measures for accountability and has emphasized stability efforts, though risks of renewed conflict remain.
On March 6, armed supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad ambushed security forces in Beit Ana, Lattakia, resulting in multiple casualties. They also targeted an ambulance attempting to evacuate the injured, prompting a significant military response, which included artillery shelling and aerial strikes. The escalation led to coordinated assaults across Lattakia and Tartus to regain control, resulting in violence across 57 locations in these governorates over four days.
The clashes involved the regime’s forces and a newly formed rebel faction, the Military Council for the Liberation of Syria, led by Brigadier General Ghiath Dalla, with links to Iran. These altercations are not unprecedented since the Assad regime’s fall, with 23 incidents reported between December 9, 2024, and March 5, 2025. The integration of rival armed groups into state forces has been rapid and disorganized, further complicating governance and transitional justice efforts.
Civilian casualties from the recent violence are severe, with estimates of extrajudicial killings ranging from 803 to over 1,000 victims. Reports of mass graves have surfaced amidst the chaos, making the situation dire. Comparatively, this escalation’s death toll aligns with previous major assaults, like the regime’s actions in Rural Damascus in early 2018.
In response to the rising violence, interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced the creation of an independent investigatory committee to address extrajudicial killings, pushing for accountability of those involved. He also indicated a redeployment of disciplined security forces in the coastal areas to restore order. The transitional authorities must navigate significant mistrust among minority communities, particularly the Alawites, which could give rise to further opposition.
The agreement made on March 10 between the government and Syrian Democratic Forces acknowledges the Kurds within the Syrian state and promotes a nationwide ceasefire, aiming to ease minority community concerns. On March 13, al-Sharaa affirmed a constitutional declaration to facilitate the transition, banning divisive rhetoric and establishing a transitional justice commission.
While the immediate threat from the Military Council for the Liberation of Syria may have diminished, the coordinated attacks suggest that anti-government sentiments persist, potentially leading to future unrest. Regional powers like Israel and Iran may exploit the instability to undermine the transitional authorities.
Recent clashes in Syria’s coastal region reflect the ongoing volatility following the Assad regime’s fall. The situation involved significant violence with substantial civilian casualties, indicating serious challenges for the transitional authorities. Efforts towards accountability and integration of minority groups into governance frameworks are essential for restoring stability. Despite reduced hostilities for now, underlying tensions and regional interests may provoke further unrest in the future.
Original Source: acleddata.com
