Syria’s Sharaa scrambles to contain deadliest violence in years

Syrian army personnel, Aleppo, March 7, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Hassano

Escalating Violence in Syria Amid Factional Clashes

Syrian Authorities Address Deadly Conflict

Syrian Interim President Ahmed Sharaa is working to contain one of the deadliest escalations of violence in the country’s 13-year-long civil war. The latest clashes have resulted in over 1,000 fatalities, primarily civilians, as fighting continues between supporters of deposed President Bashar al-Assad and the newly established Islamist government.

• The conflict has been concentrated in Latakia, Jabla, and Baniyas, areas traditionally associated with Assad’s Alawite sect.
• A security source reported that hostilities had decreased in urban centers, but military forces continue to search for approximately 5,000 pro-Assad insurgents hiding in the surrounding mountainous regions.
• President Sharaa has announced the formation of an independent investigative committee to examine allegations of executions and human rights violations by all parties involved.

Sharaa, addressing concerns over sectarian violence, called for national unity, stating:
“We must preserve domestic peace and coexistence. Syria possesses the resilience to endure these challenges.”

International Responses and Condemnation

The United States and the United Nations have strongly condemned the recent violence.

• The U.S. government urged the Syrian authorities to hold accountable extremist factions responsible for civilian casualties.
• Volker Türk, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of perpetrators involved in targeted killings and sectarian violence.

Background: Transition of Power and Ongoing Conflicts

In December 2024, Assad was ousted by Sunni Islamist rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

• Assad fled to Russia, leaving behind key advisers and loyalist forces.
• The transition resulted in the formation of an interim government, which has struggled to stabilize the war-torn nation.
• Conflict persists in northeastern Syria, where Turkish-backed forces engage with Kurdish groups.
• Israeli airstrikes continue to target military sites, amid concerns over regional security dynamics.

Syria remains in a severe economic and humanitarian crisis, with much of its infrastructure devastated by war and U.S. sanctions still in effect.

Insurgent Activity and Civilian Casualties

The latest wave of violence has been fueled by retaliatory attacks from pro-Assad forces, particularly in Latakia and Tartous.

• The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitoring group, reported that 745 civilians, 125 security personnel, and 148 pro-Assad fighters were killed in the past four days.
• Former military personnel loyal to Assad have launched coordinated insurgent attacks against the new government’s forces.
• Reports indicate that summary executions and sectarian killings have occurred, particularly targeting Alawite civilians.

Humanitarian Crisis and Allegations of Human Rights Violations

The recent violence has led to mass displacements and destruction of infrastructure.

• The Syrian state news agency (SANA) reported the discovery of a mass grave near Qardaha, Assad’s hometown, containing the bodies of security personnel.
• Armed factions aligned with the new administration have been accused of revenge attacks against Alawite communities, resulting in home burnings and forced displacements.

A resident of Qadmous, speaking anonymously, reported that convoys of armed fighters had attacked villages, set homes ablaze, and forced families to flee to nearby fields for safety.

Kurdish Leadership and Turkish Allegations

Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), accused Turkish-backed Islamist groups of perpetrating some of the worst violence against Alawite civilians.

• Turkey has not officially responded to these allegations.
• Kurdish forces continue to face challenges from Turkish military operations in northern Syria.

Government Reinforcement and Security Measures

The Syrian interim government has deployed additional forces to Latakia province in an attempt to restore order and secure critical infrastructure.

• Security officials reported that pro-Assad insurgents have targeted public utilities, resulting in disruptions to electricity and water supplies.
• Government forces are reinforcing their presence in mountainous regions, where thick forests and rugged terrain provide cover for insurgent groups.

Uncertain Future and Calls for De-escalation

The Syrian leadership faces the formidable challenge of maintaining stability amid rising sectarian tensions and ongoing insurgencies.

• International actors, including the U.S. and U.N., continue to call for accountability and protection of religious and ethnic minorities.
• The prospect of a long-term resolution remains uncertain, with sectarian violence, geopolitical tensions, and economic instability contributing to the fragile state of Syria’s transition.