Why it matters:
This deadly unrest underscores the fragile stability in Syria, highlighting deep divisions that could trigger further conflict in a region already scarred by years of civil strife.
The big picture:
The clashes, centered around the coastal town of Jableh and its neighboring villages, have thrown Latakia—an Alawite stronghold—into turmoil. With government reinforcements being deployed and curfews imposed in key cities like Tartus and Homs, the incident may signal a potential resurgence of widespread violence.
What he’s saying:
A statement from the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on X noted, “More than 70 killed and dozens wounded and captured in bloody clashes and ambushes on the Syrian coast,” emphasizing the brutality of the confrontations between security forces and former military personnel.
Key points:
- Over 70 people have been killed, with dozens wounded, amid clashes in and around Jableh.
- Reports include helicopter strikes and artillery attacks targeting armed opposition in Beit Ana and surrounding areas.
- In reaction to the violence, Syrian security forces have imposed overnight curfews in Latakia, Tartus, and Homs, while large reinforcements are being mobilized in the Jableh area.
- Alawite leaders have called for “peaceful protests” on social media following claims that civilian homes were targeted during helicopter strikes.
Go deeper:
The violence appears to have been ignited by heightened tensions following a security operation in Latakia that resulted in civilian casualties.
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Hossein Vaez
