More than 1,300 have killed in Syria in the span of three days and most of the deceased are reported to be civilians.Among the ones who were killed, 830 were civilians, mainly Alawites, 231 were Syrian government security personnel, and 250 were Assad loyalists.
10 March 2025, Syria, Latakia: Members of the Syrian security forces climb on a district sign at the entrance to the city of Latakia and the surrounding villages Photo: Moawia Atrash/dpa (Photo by Moawia Atrash/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Late last week, heavy clashes erupted when Alawite militias launched an assault on the coastal region, targeting fighters loyal to the new government. In response, newly appointed leader Ahmed al-Sharaa ordered a large-scale deployment.
“We must preserve national unity and civil peace as much as possible and… we will be able to live together in this country,” said al-Sharaa
The conflict is now described as one of Syria’s worst violence since insurgents overthrew the Assad regime last December. Many of the killings are said to be executions and massacres against the Alwite community which is the main base of support for the Assad Regime.
Members of security loyal to the interim Syrian government standing along a rocky beach coast in Latakia on March 9. Omar Haj Kadour/AFP via Getty Images
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group that removed the Assad regime, now leads the new government. Syria’s interim president and the group’s leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has repeatedly vowed to safeguard all minorities. However, fulfilling this promise has been challenging, particularly regarding the Alawites, partly due to the government’s lack of an official police force or military.
