Clashes Between Security Forces and Assad Supporters Continue in Western Syria

Reuters reported on Friday, March 8, that clashes between Syrian security forces and supporters of Bashar Assad have continued for the second consecutive day in western regions of the country. The report stated that these clashes, which began with attacks from forces loyal to the former regime of Bashar Assad, have left dozens dead and pose a serious challenge to the interim government led by Ahmad al-Shara. According to Syrian officials, remnants of the supporters of the ousted regime launched a planned attack against government forces in Latakia, a coastal area with a large Alawite minority, on Thursday, March 7. While official casualty figures have not been released, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that over 120 people have been killed. Reuters stated that it cannot independently verify these figures. The recent violence has challenged Ahmad al-Shara's efforts to consolidate power in 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 primarily concentrated in the Jableh area, but unrest has also spread to the coastal cities of Tartus and Latakia. The state news agency SANA reported that a curfew has been imposed in these two cities. Additionally, security forces have launched extensive operations in adjacent urban and mountainous areas. Officials have urged civilians to stay in their homes. According to a security source, reinforcements managed to enter the city of Latakia on Friday morning after being unable to reach the city on Thursday due to road closures. Clashes continue in the outskirts of Latakia as government forces attempt to reopen the Jableh road, which has also been blocked by Assad-affiliated militants, and some positions in Jableh are under siege. According to Reuters, Alawite activists say they have repeatedly been targeted by violence and attacks since Assad's fall. While Ahmad al-Shara has promised to form an inclusive government, no meetings have yet taken place between him and senior Alawite leaders. During the Assad family's rule, the Alawite community played a key role in the Syrian security apparatus and bureaucracy. The report states that the new government, led by Islamist groups, is seeking to rebuild state structures, including through the widespread removal of officials affiliated with the former regime.