By Gill Bikram Singh 
More than 200 people have been killed in violent clashes between Syrian government forces and supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad. The violence erupted on Thursday when Assad loyalists ambushed government troops in rural areas of Latakia province. This incident marks the most significant challenge to the new government since the fall of the Assad regime.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 120 people were killed on Friday alone, making it the deadliest day since Assad was ousted from power. The Observatory reported that at least 13 security personnel were killed in an attack near Jableh on Thursday. In response, the government deployed heavy reinforcements and launched counterattacks against pro-Assad fighters.
Intense Fighting in Latakia and Tartus
The clashes occurred mainly in the coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus, long-standing strongholds of the Assad family and the Alawite community. Although the government claims to have regained control, continued assaults by Assad supporters have escalated tensions. Activists reported that dozens of men were killed in Alawite-dominated areas on Friday, raising concerns about the outbreak of sectarian violence.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim president, has imposed a curfew in coastal areas and increased the deployment of security forces to suppress the unrest. The government has described the attacks as a coordinated effort by “remnants of Assad’s militia.” However, independent sources have not yet confirmed the exact death toll.
Ongoing Instability After Assad’s Ouster
The violence is part of the broader instability that began after Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December 2024, when Islamist rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized control of Damascus. Analysts warn that continued resistance from Assad supporters could pose a serious challenge to the new government’s efforts to restore unity and stability.
International Concerns and Local Fears
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, fearing it may further destabilize the already fragile situation in the Middle East. For many Syrian civilians, hopes for lasting peace are fading as power struggles and sectarian tensions once again threaten their safety.
Current Political Landscape in Syria (As of March 8, 2025)
Syria is currently experiencing a volatile and uncertain political transition. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, an interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa and backed by HTS took power. While HTS was previously known as an Islamist rebel group, it now seeks to present itself as an inclusive and democratic administration. Despite these claims, the country remains mired in political turmoil and sectarian divisions, raising doubts about the future of peace and stability in Syria.