Armed clashes erupted on March 6 in the Syrian provinces of Latakia and Tartus, strongholds of the Alawite minority, after insurgents attacked security forces in Beit Ana. The violence escalated as pro-Assad militias also seized military positions, prompting a large-scale government military response.
The Alawites
The Alawites are a branch of Shia Islam, making up about 10% of Syria’s population. Following the December 2024 regime change, many feared retaliation against the Alawite community, as they historically held key positions under Bashar al-Assad and are considered non-believers by many Sunni Muslims.
Situation Report
On March 6, armed clashes erupted in Latakia and Tartus after Alawite insurgents ambushed a patrol in Beit Ana, killing 13 government troops. The violence escalated as pro-Assad militias, led by former officers, seized military positions. Shortly after, General Ghiath al-Dalla announced the formation of the “Military Council for the Liberation of Syria”, confirming an organized uprising. The Syrian government dispatched reinforcements, including HTS-aligned forces from Idlib, supported by armored vehicles, drones, and artillery.
On March 7, intense fighting continued across Latakia and Tartus. Government forces launched a large-scale counteroffensive, regaining control of major positions by midday. Reports indicated dozens of ambushes against government reinforcements and executions of captured soldiers by Alawite fighters. The Syrian government imposed a curfew and began search operations in insurgent-held areas, while Alawite militias retreated into the mountains.
By March 8, the government had reasserted control over urban centers, but violence shifted toward sectarian attacks. HTS-aligned Sunni militias, along with government-affiliated forces, retaliated against Alawite civilians, leading to mass executions, close-range shootings, and identity-based killings in villages such as Mukhtariyeh, Sheer, and Haffah. Reports indicate that Alawite homes were looted and set on fire, while videos circulating online showed civilians being humiliated and executed.
Casualties
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reports that more than 1,000 people have been killed, including approximately 750 civilians, 125 government security personnel, and nearly 150 pro-Assad militants. Mass executions of Alawite men have been documented, with reports of close-range shootings and abuses circulating online. The government has blamed “individual actions” for the widespread killings.
Amid the escalating conflict, Christian communities in Latakia and Tartus have also suffered heavy casualties. Reports from local sources and humanitarian organizations indicate that dozens of Christian civilians were among those killed in the sectarian violence. While Christians have historically maintained a neutral stance in Syria’s conflicts, many were perceived as supporters of the Assad regime, given that his government had offered them protection in the past. Churches and homes were attacked, with some Christians taking refuge near Russia’s Khmeimim Airbase, though access was reportedly limited. The Christian Patriarchs of Syria condemned the attacks, calling for international intervention.
Syrian and International Reactions
President Ahmad al-Sharaa has called for order and pledged to prosecute those responsible for abuses. Germany, France, and the EU expressed concerns over sectarian violence, with France specifically condemning atrocities committed against civilians based on religious identity and calling for independent investigations.
The crisis continues to destabilize Syria, as the government faces ongoing conflicts with Druze in the south and Kurds in the northeast.