Fierce fighting erupted along Syria’s coastal provinces over the past few days as remnants of the Assad regime, led by former military and intelligence officers, launched a coordinated assault on security forces, government facilities, and civilians. The violence, which has left hundreds dead, has been marked by severe human rights violations and war crimes perpetrated by multiple actors.
Assad-Linked Gangs Spread Chaos & Sectarianism
The attacks, which targeted government forces in Latakia, Tartous, and Hama, were led by former regime loyalists with reported ties to foreign agents. Their goal, according to political analysts and security sources, was to destabilize the new government and provoke sectarian divisions. Thus far over 200 government security personnel were killed in the initial ambushes, which also claimed the lives of more than 20 civilians.
Political researcher Bassam Suleiman described the attacks as premeditated, stating in an interview with The New Arab that the assailants specifically targeted security personnel, while also committing atrocities against civilians. “Groups of remnants of the regime committed massacres against police officers and some civilians with the aim of inflaming sectarianism in the country,” Suleiman said.
Widespread Violations & War Crimes
The response from Syrian government forces, which launched a large-scale military campaign to regain control, resulted in additional civilian casualties. SNHR documented the execution of at least 125 civilians in Latakia and Tartous. Video footage reviewed by rights organizations shows unarmed civilians being executed in their homes, though the authenticity of some recordings remains under scrutiny.
Security sources acknowledged retaliatory violence and attacks on civilians occurred and investigations into the events are ongoing. More than 200 stolen vehicles and household goods were later recovered by security forces. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa condemned the violations, promising investigations and accountability. “No one will be allowed to transgress,” he said in a video address Friday, warning against further escalation.
Government Crackdown & Calls for Justice
In an effort to contain the crisis, the Syrian Ministry of Defense, in coordination with General Security, imposed road closures in affected areas and formed an emergency committee to investigate human rights abuses. While officials claim arrests have been made, rights groups stress the need for further accountability.
Fadel Abdulghani, director of SNHR, emphasized that while violations by government forces were not part of a systematic policy, a failure to prosecute offenders could lead to further sectarian strife. “The lack of accountability will lead to an escalation of violence and mutual revenge,” he said urging authorities to hold war criminals accountable.
Legal experts have called for an independent judicial committee to investigate the atrocities. Political researcher Muhammad Sabra argued that the state must take decisive action against those responsible. Sources in the government told L24 that the presidency has appointed a judicial committee to investigate the events and ensure justice, while a community committee, partially composed of locals from the coastal area, will be formed to restore social cohesion and rebuild trust through dialogue and justice.
A Fragile Calm & Lingering Tensions
Despite official condemnations and arrests, tensions remain high. Syrian journalist Saba Madwar cautioned against misinformation, stressing that while human rights abuses must be condemned, exaggerated or unverified reports could further destabilize the situation. “The situation in Syria is very dangerous, and every word said today will be held accountable for many times over tomorrow,” she warned.
As the Syrian government works to restore order, the challenge remains not only in defeating the remnants of the former regime but also in preventing further cycles of revenge, violence, and sectarian discord. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether justice and stability can prevail in the war-torn coastal provinces.
