On March 7, it was reported that more than a thousand people have died as a result of the uprising initiated by Alawites in western Syria, particularly in the provinces of Latakia and Tartus. According to the Associated Press, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that at least 745 civilians have lost their lives in clashes that have been ongoing for two days between the new government and former supporters of Assad.
Among the deceased are 125 members of the Syrian government's security forces and 148 fighters from armed groups loyal to Assad. This incident is being assessed by SOHR as the bloodiest event observed in Syria since the "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" movement overthrew the Assad regime in December 2024.
No official information has yet been released regarding the casualties from the clashes and conflicts. Until now, the confrontations have mostly been localized and quickly subsided. However, if the new authorities cannot swiftly suppress the Alawite uprising, it could lead to an escalation of conflicts with other communities.
According to reports written on March 8, the central government forces of Syria have regained control over the provinces of Latakia and Tartus where the Alawite uprising began. Nevertheless, the army and militants affiliated with the "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" movement are currently conducting raids in densely populated areas of the region.
The future of this uprising in the region and its consequences could lead to even higher levels of political and communal tensions in Syria. The event is likely to cause deeper political problems and further intensification of conflicts between communities.
