Damascus, March 9, 2025: Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa has called for peace following days of violent clashes in which hundreds of civilians from the Alawite minority were allegedly killed by security forces.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that at least 745 civilians were killed in 30 massacres across Syria’s coastal regions on Friday and Saturday. The BBC noted that it has not been able to independently verify these figures but described the violence as the worst since the fall of the Assad regime.
Speaking from a mosque in Damascus on Sunday, President Sharaa emphasized the need to preserve national unity and civil peace despite ongoing challenges.
“We must preserve national unity and civil peace as much as possible… and we will be able to live together in this country,” he stated.
Sharaa took office after Bashar al-Assad was overthrown last December, marking the end of decades of authoritarian rule and a 14-year-long civil war. However, the transition has been marred by renewed sectarian violence and instability.
The recent bloodshed reportedly began after an ambush on government forces in Syria’s coastal region, which was later described by the Syrian Defence Ministry as a series of “treacherous attacks” on security personnel. The violence has since escalated into a full-scale conflict between pro-Assad fighters and the new Islamist-led government.
According to SOHR, the total death toll over the past four days has exceeded 1,000, including 125 fighters linked to the new Syrian government, 148 pro-Assad fighters and hundreds of civilians, primarily Alawites.
A Syrian government source told Reuters that at least 200 fighters had been killed in the clashes.
The violence has triggered mass displacement, particularly in Latakia and Tartus—historical strongholds of the Alawite community, to which Assad belonged.
Large crowds have reportedly sought refuge at a Russian military base in Hmeimim, Latakia, with footage showing dozens of people chanting, “People want Russian protection.”
Dozens of families have fled to neighboring Lebanon, according to local media reports. An activist in Latakia described the Alawite community as being in “a state of horror.”
The Alawites, a sect of Shia Islam, comprise around 10% of Syria’s population, while the majority of Syrians are Sunni Muslim.
The UN’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has expressed deep concern over the unfolding crisis.
“I am deeply alarmed by very troubling reports of civilian casualties in Syria’s coastal areas,” he stated, urging all sides to exercise restraint to avoid further destabilization and ensure a credible and inclusive political transition.
As tensions continue to rise, Syria faces a critical moment that could determine the success or failure of its post-Assad transition.
