Sun Mar 09 10:20:22 UTC 2025: ## Hundreds Dead in Syrian Coastal Violence Amid Deepening Divides

**DAMASCUS, Syria** – Brutal communal violence in Syria’s coastal regions of Latakia and Tartous has left over 1,000 people dead, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based war monitor. The clashes, which began Thursday, pit newly appointed security forces against loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad, primarily from the Alawite sect.

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa appealed for national unity and peace, emphasizing the need for Syrians to live together. However, the escalating violence paints a stark picture of Syria’s deep divisions. SOHR reports at least 745 Alawite civilians and 125 government security forces killed, alongside 148 pro-Assad fighters. Al Jazeera has been unable to independently verify these figures.

The fighting initially erupted after coordinated attacks by pro-Assad forces on security personnel, escalating into widespread revenge killings as thousands of supporters of the new leadership joined the security forces in the coastal areas. State-run news agency SANA reported ongoing clashes near Betannita in Tartous, citing the presence of “war criminals affiliated with the al-Assad regime.”

Al Jazeera correspondent Resul Serdar reported from Damascus that while the intensity of fighting has decreased, the scale of the devastation is becoming clearer. He described horrific scenes and anticipated a rise in the death toll as authorities continue to recover bodies. The violence, Serdar added, highlights the deep-seated divisions within Syria, despite al-Sharaa’s efforts to present a united front. He noted the inclusion of Alawites, Kurds, Turkmen, Arabs, Sunni, Shia, Muslims, and Christians in the newly formed cabinet as a crucial step towards national reconciliation.

The conflict also disrupted telecommunications. The Director of Deraa Telecom’s Branch reported damage to the optical cable linking Deraa and Damascus, resulting in internet and telecommunications outages in Deraa and Sweida, due to repeated attacks on the infrastructure. The scale of the violence and its impact on Syria’s fragile stability remain a major concern.

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