Al-Shara's Reaction to the Conflict in Syria: Remnants of the Previous Regime Will Be Tried

Ahmad al-Shara, the head of the new Syrian government, reacted on Saturday, March 9, to the recent clashes in the western regions of the country, stating that government forces will continue to "pursue the remnants of the fallen regime and those who committed crimes against the people." According to the Syrian news agency SANA, the new government leader accused "bands of the fallen regime" of "killing" forces he described as protectors of Syria and attacking hospitals while "terrorizing innocent people," asserting, "We will pursue them and bring them to a fair court." He also emphasized his government's efforts to implement a disarmament plan in Syria. The clashes between Syrian security forces and supporters of Bashar al-Assad in the western regions of the country have left hundreds dead and wounded. According to Reuters, these clashes, which began with attacks by forces loyal to the former regime of Bashar al-Assad, have posed a serious challenge to the interim government led by Ahmad al-Shara. Syrian officials reported that remnants of the fallen Assad regime launched a planned attack against government forces in Latakia, a coastal region with a large population of the Alawite minority, on Thursday, March 7. The recent violence has challenged Ahmad al-Shara's efforts to consolidate the power of the interim government, especially as he seeks to lift U.S. sanctions and address "security unrest" in the southwest of the country. The clashes on Thursday were mainly concentrated in the Jableh area, but the unrest has spread to the coastal cities of Tartus and Latakia. Additionally, security forces have launched extensive operations in adjacent urban and mountainous areas, with officials urging civilians to stay in their homes. According to Reuters, Alawite activists say they have frequently been targeted by violence and attacks since the fall of Assad, and while Ahmad al-Shara has promised to form an inclusive government, there have been no meetings between him and senior Alawite leaders. During the Assad family's rule, the Alawite community played a key role in Syria's security and administrative apparatus. The new government, now led by Islamist groups, is seeking to rebuild state structures, including through the widespread dismissal of officials affiliated with the former regime. Clashes in Syria continue between the new rulers and remnants of Bashar al-Assad, while Turkish attacks in northern Syria persist.