Syria's leader assures stability amid coastal unrest

On March 9, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa assured the public that recent security incidents in the country’s coastal region are "under control," calling them “expected challenges.” 

Speaking after the dawn prayer at a mosque in the Al Mezzeh district of Damascus, Sharaa stated that "the crisis has passed safely," referring to the heightened tensions in the provinces of Latakia and Tartus, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The coastal region has witnessed coordinated attacks in recent days by loyalists of the former Assad regime, marking the most severe security breaches since the regime's fall in December. The attacks targeted security patrols, checkpoints, and hospitals, resulting in several deaths and injuries.

In response, Syrian security and military forces launched large-scale operations to apprehend the attackers, resulting in fierce clashes. Despite the violent nature of the situation, government officials emphasized that stability is gradually being restored.

Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces to oust former President Bashar al-Assad, underscored the importance of preserving national unity and civil peace. “We must live together in this country as much as possible,” he added, echoing his calls for unity during the country’s ongoing transition.

Assad, who had ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on December 8, following the collapse of the Baath Party regime that had been in power since 1963. Sharaa was declared president for a transitional period on January 29, following Assad’s departure.

By Khagan Isayev