On 6 March, armed supporters of Bashar al-Assad ambushed security forces in Lattakia, leading to violence and extrajudicial killings. The emergence of the Military Council for the Liberation of Syria and ongoing tensions highlight the challenges of Syria’s political transition. Civilian casualties are reported in the hundreds, with the interim government seeking accountability and reestablishing order amidst regional instability.
On 6 March, an attack by armed supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad in Beit Ana village, Lattakia countryside, resulted in casualties among security forces. The attackers subsequently targeted an ambulance attempting to assist the injured, provoking a security response that included artillery fire and airstrikes. Coordinated assaults also occurred across Lattakia and Tartus provinces, sparking further violence, including extrajudicial killings linked to the Alawite community. Over four days, violence was reported at least 57 locations across Lattakia, Hama, Homs, and Tartus.
The clashes were exacerbated by the emergence of the Military Council for the Liberation of Syria, a pro-Assad entity led by Brigadier General Ghiath Dalla, who has connections with Iran. This situation is not unprecedented; there were at least 23 similar incidents between December 2024 and March 2025. The political transition subsequent to the fall of the Assad regime poses a significant challenge, with numerous rival armed factions, including foreign Islamist fighters and former Syrian National Army members, seeking revenge against the Alawite community, perceived as supporting the previous regime.
Reports of civilian casualties have emerged, confirming mass graves, with the Syrian Network for Human Rights estimating at least 803 extrajudicial killings between 6 and 10 March. Another organization places this figure at 1,093, marking a human toll comparable to the Assad regime’s offensives in Rural Damascus in 2018. While the clashes have subsided, tensions remain high.
In response, interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa established an independent committee on 9 March to investigate the extrajudicial killings. He assured that those responsible for the mass killings would be held accountable. Measures to deploy more disciplined security forces in coastal regions are anticipated to reinforce stability. The transitional authorities face significant trust issues among minority communities, including the Alawites, which could lead to the resurgence of armed opposition.
The recent conflict underscores the precariousness of Syria’s political transition. An agreement signed on 10 March between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces aims to address minority concerns and establish a ceasefire. Furthermore, al-Sharaa’s constitutional declaration enforces a judicial framework for transitions, condemning division and creating a transitional justice commission to investigate prior regime atrocities. Although the Military Council for the Liberation of Syria may not mobilize fully again, dormant anti-government factions pose a potential threat in the future, with regional powers potentially exacerbating unrest.
In conclusion, the recent violence in Syria’s coastal region reveals the fragility of the political transition following the Assad regime’s downfall. With significant civilian casualties and ongoing tensions among various factions, the interim government’s challenges are substantial. Proper investigation and reformation of security forces are essential to restore stability and public trust. Furthermore, regional influences continue to be a key factor in the dynamics of the Syrian conflict, necessitating cautious governance and inclusive dialogue with minority communities.
Original Source: acleddata.com
