Syrian crisis: Clashes with Assad supporters resume in Latakia

Clashes between security forces, which are subordinate to the new Syrian authorities, and armed supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad have resumed in the province of Latakia.

The Public Security Department sent additional reinforcements to the area of the town of al-Qadmus, located in the province of Tartus, “in order to maintain security, increase stability and restore calm in the region,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Arab media.

SANA news agency informed that cell phone and internet services have been suspended in Deraa and Al-Suwaida governorates in the south and southwest of the country. According to it, cables were cut between Deraa and Damascus as a result of sabotage.

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. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that among the casualties were 745 civilians, many from the Alawite minority, who were subjected to close-range shootings and other brutal acts.

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.

The international community has expressed deep concern over the situation. France condemned the violence and called for independent investigations into the reported atrocities.

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