Mon Mar 10 12:37:47 UTC 2025: ## Syria Announces End to Coastal Security Operation After Deadly Clashes

**Damascus, Syria** – The Syrian Ministry of Defence announced the end of a security operation in the western coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartous on Monday, following days of intense violence that left nearly 1,500 people dead, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Ministry spokesman Hassan Abdul Ghani stated that security threats had been neutralized and that the operation successfully repelled attacks by remnants of the former regime.

The fighting, which began last week, saw pro-Assad forces launch deadly attacks on the new government’s security forces, sparking retaliatory violence and widespread killings. Thousands of armed supporters of Syria’s new leadership, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), responded, leading to indiscriminate attacks and the deaths of an estimated 1,000 civilians. The majority of casualties, according to the Observatory, were civilians killed by security forces and allied groups in the Alawite heartland. Al Jazeera has not independently verified the casualty figures.

The interim HTS leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, pledged to investigate the clashes and hold those responsible accountable. He announced the formation of an independent committee, which the Ministry of Defence said it would cooperate with fully.

While the Ministry claims to have restored security and paved the way for normalcy, reports indicate continued instability. Security forces in Damascus reported repelling an attack on a security checkpoint overnight, arresting two attackers while others escaped. The affiliation of the attackers remains unclear.

Iran, a former ally of Bashar al-Assad, strongly denied any involvement in the violence, dismissing accusations made by regional media outlets as “completely ridiculous” and “misleading.” Iranian officials emphasized their lack of relationship with the current Syrian government and stated they are only observing the situation. Despite these denials, several media outlets, including Al Arabiya, had previously linked Iran and allied groups to the violence. The accusations highlight the ongoing complexities and lingering tensions following the fall of al-Assad’s regime in December.

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