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Syria's Deadliest Week Since Assad's Fall Highlights Sectarian Divides

Over 800 people, mostly civilians, were killed in violence triggered by Assad loyalists, as the new Syrian government grapples with displacement and sectarian tensions.

A drone view shows traffic passing by residential buildings, as Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa grapples with the fallout from reported mass killings of Alawite minority members, in Latakia, Syria March 11, 2025. REUTERS/Karam al-Masri/File Photo
People walk past damaged vehicles, as Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa grapples with the fallout from reported mass killings of Alawite minority members, in Jableh, Syria March 12, 2025. REUTERS/Karam al-Masri/File Photo
People in the Syrian village of Al-Janoudiya attend a funeral procession Saturday, March 8, for four Syrian security force members who were killed in clashes with loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Clashes between government security forces and Assad supporters have killed hundreds this month, according to a monitoring group.

Overview

  • Violence erupted on March 6, 2025, when Assad loyalists attacked government forces in Tartus and Latakia, prompting a harsh military response.
  • More than 800 people, primarily civilians and disarmed combatants, were killed in the ensuing conflict, with reports of atrocities including executions and mass graves.
  • The Alawite minority, historically aligned with Assad, has been a key target of revenge killings, with thousands displaced to the Russian-controlled Hmeimim Air Base for safety.
  • President Ahmed al-Sharaa has launched investigations into atrocities and vowed to hold perpetrators accountable, with arrests already underway.
  • International involvement remains limited, though the U.S. has brokered agreements with Kurdish forces, while concerns about Iranian and Hezbollah influence persist.