Why it matters:
The ongoing fires, set by Al-Julani-led HTS, target areas predominantly inhabited by the Alawite community. It has sparked fears of a systematic plan to depopulate the region under the guise of natural disaster.
The big picture:
For over a week, wildfires have spread across the Latakia countryside. Activists and local monitoring groups claim the governing forces in the northwest—controlled by HTS—have refused Russian aid to extinguish the fires and have even arrested locals attempting to put out the flames themselves.
What's going on:
- The fires, which began approximately 10 days ago, have reached homes in Nab' al-Mur near Latakia, according to reports by Al Mayadeen and local sources.
- The "Syrian Coast Observer" channel reports that Alawite civilians attempting to fight the fires have been detained.
- Multiple field observations and video evidence show HTS-linked individuals deliberately igniting fires.
Go deeper:
Alawites Flee Amid Fears of Massacre by Joulani Forces
Neda Sajjadi
