Overview

• Fighting erupted Thursday in Syria's coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus, killing over 250 people, including civilians, security forces, and Assad loyalists, according to monitors.
• The violence marks the most significant challenge to Syria's new Islamist-led government since ousting Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
• Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa has called on Alawite insurgents to surrender, vowing to consolidate state control and prevent further sectarian bloodshed.
• Security sweeps, curfews, and protests have followed the clashes, with reports of summary executions and civilian casualties sparking international condemnation.
• Russia, Turkey, and other regional powers have urged restraint, warning that escalating violence could undermine efforts to stabilize Syria after 14 years of civil war.