As Syria steps into a new era following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the nation remains deeply fractured, with violent reprisals and sectarian killings threatening to destabilise the fragile leadership of interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Despite calls for unity, reports of revenge attacks and mass killings continue to emerge from the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, once strongholds of Assad’s rule.
Escalating Violence in Coastal Syria
In the city of Banias, residents describe harrowing scenes of bloodshed. Witnesses recount streets littered with bodies, victims of retaliatory violence carried out by various factions. Homes have been looted, families slaughtered, and entire neighbourhoods terrorised in an alarming wave of unrest. The Alawite community, a religious minority that made up much of Assad’s loyal base, now finds itself targeted in revenge attacks.
Survivors speak of the horror that unfolded as armed groups stormed through the Hai Al Kusour district. Ayman Fares, a former political prisoner, narrowly escaped death, spared only because he had previously been jailed for criticising Assad’s government. However, his belongings were looted as militants raided homes in search of valuables and perceived enemies.
“They took everything—cars, gold, money. They killed entire families. Some of the attackers spoke foreign languages, possibly Uzbek or Chechen, while others were Syrian civilians who had taken up arms,” Fares recounted.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimates that over 740 civilians have been killed in Latakia, Jableh, and Banias. Another 300 members of Assad’s security forces and loyalists have reportedly died in clashes, though independent verification remains difficult.
Power Struggles and the Rise of New Militias
The violence was sparked after die-hard Assad loyalists ambushed security forces in the coastal region. Now, ex-military leaders from Assad’s regime, including former Brigadier General Ghiath Dallah, have declared rebellion against the new government, forming the so-called “Military Council for the Liberation of Syria.”
Dallah’s forces, consisting of former regime officers and armed groups in the mountains, aim to resist the new leadership. However, many Alawites reject this movement, blaming hardline loyalists for plunging the country into further bloodshed.
“They profit from chaos and suffering,” said one resident. “What we need now is stability, security, and justice—without massacres or more violence.”
A Nation at a Crossroads
Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa faces a monumental challenge. Having led the coalition that toppled Assad, he now grapples with restoring law and order while seeking justice for the crimes of the previous regime. Yet, with the military and police institutions dismantled, Syria has been left with thousands of unemployed officers and soldiers—many of whom were not directly involved in war crimes.
With unemployment at a staggering 90%, economic despair fuels rebellion. Without a clear security framework, the risk of an all-out civil conflict remains high. Meanwhile, the presence of radical Islamist factions, including foreign fighters with extremist agendas, further complicates the path to stability.
Some factions operate beyond Sharaa’s control, raising concerns about Syria’s ability to transition to a democratic system that protects all citizens, regardless of religious or ethnic background.
What Lies Ahead?
Demonstrations in Damascus and other cities call for an end to violence and demand justice for all victims, regardless of sect. However, amid these peaceful protests, calls for jihad and armed retaliation are also emerging, exposing the deep-seated divisions within the country.
To secure Syria’s future, experts argue that Sharaa must take decisive steps:
- Expel Foreign Militants: Syria’s sovereignty depends on removing radical foreign fighters who exploit the chaos.
- Rebuild a National Security Framework: A stable police and military force is essential to preventing further bloodshed.
- Deliver a Fair Constitution: Ensuring equal rights for all Syrians, regardless of sect, is crucial for long-term peace.
- Address Economic Hardship: Without economic reforms and job opportunities, civil unrest will persist.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Syria can move beyond its bloody past or fall into another cycle of violence. For now, the world watches as Syria teeters between hope and despair, struggling to define its new identity in the aftermath of dictatorship.
