Syrian authorities have launched a crackdown on an insurgency led by fighters from Bashar al-Assad’s Alawite sect, resulting in scores of deaths. The violence began when remnants loyal to Assad attacked government forces on Thursday, and has since spread to the coastal region of western Syria.
At least 20 men were killed in the town of Al Mukhtareyah, which is heavily populated by Alawites. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to bring those responsible to trial and hold them accountable for any violence against civilians.
Saudi Arabia and Turkey have expressed support for the government, while the UN envoy to Syria has condemned the clashes and killings. Russia has called on all leaders of the country to stop the bloodshed, and Iran has said it “strongly opposes insecurity and violence in Syria”.
The Alawite Islamic Council has blamed the violence on the government, saying fighters were sent to combat alleged “regime remnants” with the intention of terrorizing Syrians. The council has called for the region to be put under UN protection.
The situation remains volatile, with curfews declared in several coastal cities and security forces deployed to restore order. Human rights groups warn that the violence could undermine confidence in the government’s ability to steer Syria out of its difficult phase.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syria-imposes-curfew-latakia-tartous-after-clashes-2025-03-07