Media: Syria’s coastal clashes kill over 800 civilians

The number of civilian casualties as a result of hostilities between the forces of the transitional government and rebels in the Syrian provinces of Latakia, Tartus and Homs rose from 532 to 830 over the day.

Most of the victims belong to the Alawite community, the natives of which make up 12% of the population of the Arab republic, Caliber.Az reports via Iraqi media outlet Shafaq News.

Transitional government troops have regained control of coastal areas and are pursuing detachments of armed supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad into mountainous areas. More than 250 militias have been killed in the operation, which has been ongoing since March 6. Government forces have lost 231 fighters.

On March 7-8, 2025, Syria experienced a significant escalation in violence, resulting in over 1,000 deaths, including numerous civilians. The conflict erupted when forces loyal to the ousted President Bashar al-Assad launched coordinated attacks against the nation's security forces, leading to intense clashes and widespread atrocities.

The violence was particularly severe in the coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus. In Latakia, basic services such as electricity and water were disrupted amid the fighting.

In response to the escalating violence, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa extended curfews in Latakia and Tartus and initiated large-scale security operations to apprehend Assad loyalists. The government deployed reinforcements, including tanks and armored personnel carriers, to these provinces to restore order.

Additionally, thousands of Syrians across various provinces, including Damascus, Idlib, Homs, Hama, Daraa, and Quneitra, protested against the attacks on security forces, denouncing sectarianism and advocating for national unity.

By Khagan Isayev