In early March 2025, Syria experienced a significant escalation in violence, marking the most severe unrest since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The coastal regions, particularly Latakia and Tartus, became focal points of clashes between the new Syrian government forces and loyalists of the former regime.
Key Events:
- Ambush Near Jableh: On March 6, pro-Assad insurgents launched a coordinated attack near the town of Jableh, resulting in the deaths of 13 security officers. This incident is considered the deadliest confrontation since the regime change.
- Executions in Latakia Countryside: Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicate that on March 7, government security forces executed 52 Alawite men in the Latakia countryside, specifically in the towns of Al-Mukhtariya and Al-Shir. These actions have raised concerns about potential sectarian violence.
- Curfews and Security Operations: In response to the escalating violence, authorities imposed curfews in the cities of Latakia and Tartus. Security forces initiated extensive operations to apprehend individuals associated with the former regime, aiming to stabilize the region.
- Civilian Casualties: The clashes have resulted in significant civilian casualties. In the coastal city of Baniyas, reports indicate that 60 people, including women and children, were executed by members of the Syrian Ministry of Defense and General Security Service.
International Reactions:
- United Nations: The UN has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and the reports of targeted killings based on religious identity. Calls have been made for immediate investigations into these incidents.
- Neighboring Countries: Turkey and Israel have condemned the violence. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz characterized Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa as “a jihadist terrorist from the Al-Qaeda school, committing atrocities against the Alawite civilian population,” expressing concerns over potential threats to regional stability.
These developments underscore the fragile state of Syria’s transition and the challenges the new government faces in unifying a country deeply scarred by years of conflict.
Syria Security Forces Clash with Assad Loyalists in Coastal Areas
In a drastic upsurge in violence, Syrian security forces began heavy fighting against fighters loyal to the now-ousted President Bashar al-Assad in coastal areas of the country. This is the worst violence to have erupted since rebels brought down the Assad regime in December and formed an Islamist transitional government.
Casualties and the Imposition of Curfews
British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported that over 70 people were killed during the clashes. In the wake of the violence, curfews have also been imposed in the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartous.
Verification of Incidents
The following two videos have been verified by BBC Verify as authentic:
– The first shows gunmen repeatedly firing on and setting ablaze the interior of a building in Homs on Thursday night.
– The other shows a body being dragged behind a car in Latakia.
Unrest in Alawite Heartland
This violence is mainly concentrated in coastal areas, which have a large Alawite minority population sect the Assads profess, and commonly regarded as their stronghold.
Disputed Figures Of Casualties
Death toll reports vary wildly suggesting a few dead; others, thousands killed. The BBC cannot independently corroborate these figures. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 71 humans had died by Friday; further 35 of them being from the government forces, 32 from the old regime’s armed forces, and 4 from civilians. More will have been injured in the fighting.
Ambushes by Former Regime Loyalists in Coastal Syria
Gunmen, including some from the previous regime, ambushed military forces, checkpoints, and headquarters along the coastal region, the organization announced.
Witness Accounts of the Assault
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Sunni Civilian Perspective: One Sunni civilian witness described the assault as “planned and prepared.”
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Indiscriminate Firing: Another witness told BBC Arabic that indiscriminate firing on everyone, including paramedics, was reminiscent of the previous Assad regime.
“They had no mercy for them, so all of us condemn any violence against any civilian on the Syrian coast who has not taken part in this unrest. All of them are civilians and are our brothers,” they explained.
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Alawite Community’s Fear: One Alawite added that many Syrian people are ‘scared’ regardless of whether they are near the coast or in the capital.
In fear of “being scapegoats,” she was “seeing everyone so much terrified from the current incitement,” she told the BBC.
Tactics and Casualties
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Strategic Positions: Local gunmen took hold of military zones, and holed up in areas in the Latakia mountains to launch attacks, while others held up in Jableh city.
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Ambushes on Highways: In several coastal towns and villages, former regime’s army members have been deployed, ambushing military forces on highways.
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Reported Casualties: Late Thursday, the Syrian-based Step news agency reported that “about 70” former regime fighters had been killed by the government-aligned forces. In contrast, more than 25 others were taken captive in Jableh and surrounding areas.
Government’s Response
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Official Warning: Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, a spokesman for Syria’s defense ministry, issued a warning to Assad loyalists in Latakia through the state media.
“Many thousand have kept back their weapons and gone home to their family, but others insist on running to their death in defense of the killers and criminals. There lies the choice: lay down your weapons or meet your inevitable fate,” he said.
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Security Challenges: The region has since become a major security challenge for interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Impact on Minority Communities
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Alawite Community: Alawite activists say their community has undergone violence and attacks since the fall of Assad, particularly in rural Homs and Latakia.
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Druze Forces Clashes: His enemies are in the south, where recently there have been clashes with Druze forces.
Chemical Weapons Stance
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Government’s Commitment: Earlier this week, Syria’s foreign minister informed the global chemical weapons watchdog that the new government is committed to destroying any stockpiles that may be left over from the Assad era.
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Activists’ Accusations: Although the Assad government has consistently denied using chemical weapons during the 14-year civil war, activists have accused it of carrying out dozens of such attacks.
Journey into Rojava: Navigating the Autonomous Kurdish Region
Crossing a broken floating bridge over the Tigris River, we finally get to northeastern Syria. The minibus screeches and rattles, all the way from Iraqi Kurdistan through the oil fields of Syria, where jacks are pumping crude oil along the roadway.
Establishment of Rojava
This area in Syria is under Kurdish control, which they call Rojava – western Kurdistan. Since 2012, following the onset of the civil war, they have self-administered the region as an autonomous enclave with the backing of a Kurdish-led armed force. citeturn0search19
Uncertain Recognition
The regime of Bashar al-Assad has never acknowledged it, and even now that he has lost power, the future of the region remains in limbo. citeturn0news30
Historical Struggles and Ongoing Tensions
Apart from more than ten years of civil war, the Syrian Kurds have also been fighting against any kind of interference from Turkey in annals of history—a struggle that continues today. citeturn0news29
The Siege of Kobane: A Decade of Resilience
About a decade ago, the Islamic State group (IS) threatened this region, rapidly seizing towns and cities with minimal resistance. Their advance culminated in September 2014 at the city of Kobane, near the Turkish border. Unable to penetrate the city, IS imposed a brutal months-long siege. Kurdish-led forces, supported by a US-led coalition, successfully broke this siege in early 2015. citeturn0search0
Women in their 50s, armed with AK-47 assault rifles, guarded checkpoints at Kobane’s border entries. Notably, women played a significant role against IS as volunteers in the all-female Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). citeturn0news24
Kobane’s Decade of Resilience: Commemorating Liberation
Two women, dressed in long dresses and scarves, carry AK-47 assault rifles slung over their shoulders. Checkpoints mark the entrances into Kobane.
Enduring Scars and Honoring Sacrifice
Throughout the city, remnants of war are evident. Posters of young men and women, many of whom lost their lives, line the streets. In the main square, however, the atmosphere is festive. Young girls and boys, adorned in vibrant Kurdish attire, dance hand in hand, singing in celebration. For the older generation, the occasion is bittersweet. “Last night I lit candles for my martyred brother and others killed in Kobane,” says Newrouz Ahmad, a 45-year-old mother of four. “It is a joyful day, but it is also a painful one. I wish he was here to see it.”
A Decade Since Liberation
On January 26, 2025, Kobane commemorated the 10th anniversary of its liberation from the Islamic State (ISIS). The Autonomous Administration of Kobane organized a celebration in the Old Municipality Square, attended by delegations from the French and Italian parliaments, as well as a British delegation. Farhan Haj Issa, Co-chair of the Executive Council in Kobane, emphasized that while the city celebrates its historic victory over ISIS, it continues to face threats and bombardment from Turkey and its allied factions. He noted that these factions aim to keep Kobane, a symbol of humanity, resistance, and coexistence, in a constant state of conflict and war. citeturn0search0
International Solidarity
In London, a special dinner commemorated the 10th anniversary of Kobane’s liberation. Organized by Kurdish Progress and the Syrian Democratic Council, the event gathered Syrian Kurdish leaders, community representatives, parliamentarians, government ministers, and ambassadors to honor the resilience of Kobane’s people and reflect on the city’s impact on global efforts for peace, democracy, and justice. citeturn0search1
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the celebrations, Kobane continues to face challenges. Turkish forces and their affiliated factions have persisted in targeting the region since 2018, undermining aspirations for peace and stability. The international community, particularly members of the U.S.-led Global Coalition and human rights organizations, are urged to take a stand against Turkey’s ongoing attacks on the region. citeturn0search0
novelistRecent Developments in Kobane and Kurdish Regionsturn0news24,turn0news25,turn0news26
Turkey’s Conflict
Crossing into Rojava
Crossing a broken floating bridge over the Tigris River, we finally get to northeastern Syria. The minibus screeches and rattles, all the way from Iraqi Kurdistan through the oil fields of Syria, where jacks are pumping crude oil along the roadway.
This area in Syria is under Kurdish control, which they call Rojava – western Kurdistan. Since 2012, following the onset of the civil war, they have self-administered the region as an autonomous enclave with the backing of a Kurdish-led armed force.
The regime of Bashar al-Assad has never acknowledged it, and even now that he has lost power, the future of the region remains in limbo.
Apart from more than ten years of civil war, the Syrian Kurds have also been fighting against any kind of interference from Turkey in the annals of history – a struggle that continues today.
Fighting against IS in Times of Old
About a decade ago, the Islamic State group (IS) was threatening this region, razing towns and cities, mostly without resistance until they reached their last attempt in the city of Kobane, after the Turkish border, in September 2014.
IS had not been able to enter into the city, but imposed a brutal siege for months. The Kurdish-led groups, aided by the US-led coalition, broke that months-long siege in early 2015. I join the residents to commemorate the 10 years of the siege this January.
Women in their 50s armed with AK-47 assault rifles guard the checkpoints at border entry points to Kobane. Women were said to have taken an amazing part against IS as volunteers in the all-female Women’s Protection Units (YPJ).
Commemorating the Siege
Two women carrying AK-47 assault rifles slung on their shoulders while donning long dresses and a scarf. Entrances into Kobane are marked with checkpoints. Along the routes of the city, one can still see the scars of war; alongside young men and women posters, some of them have died. In the main square, however, the mood is festival.
Young girls and boys, dressed in beautiful colorful Kurdish outfits, dance hand in hand, singing as they celebrate. But for their parent’s generation, it is a bittersweet affair.”Last night, I lit candles for my martyred brother and others killed in Kobane.” Newrouz Ahmad, a 45-year-old mother of four, says. “It is a glad day, however, it’s also a painful one.
Ongoing Struggles
A woman stands with a scarf of red, yellow, and green wrapped around her head, raising two fingers, in a victory sign. Behind her stand multitudes of people heaving into one another for the event’s celebrations. Newroz Ahmad’s brother died during the IS siege – she expresses the fact that “Kurds won’t let Turkey, will not allow its proxies to occupy our city.”
Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) declared the end of IS at the beginning of 2019 in the northeast region of Syria. Nevertheless, the freedom achieved by IS does not guarantee a peaceful environment. So far Ankara and the coalition of the Turkish-backed rebel groups known as the Syrian National Army (SNA) have conducted several military operations against SDF-controlled areas from 2016 onwards, securing for themselves a broad belt landscape of hundreds of kilometers along the border area.
The largest component in the SDF is the People’s Protection Units (YPG) which Turkey identifies as an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which fights for Kurdish rights in Turkey and has been declared a terrorist organization by Ankara. The government wants to drive the SDF away from the boundary. In the late 2024 period, after the fall of the Assad regime, the Turkish SNA threw its weight behind a new offensive aimed at capturing land west of the Euphrates from the SDF.
Kobane: A City Scarred by War and Steeled for Resistance
In the heart of Kobane, the remnants of past conflicts are evident. The city’s streets bear the marks of previous sieges, with buildings showing signs of destruction. Posters of young men and women, many of whom lost their lives, serve as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made. Despite these scars, the spirit of the community remains unbroken. The main square buzzes with life as young girls and boys, adorned in vibrant Kurdish attire, dance hand in hand, their songs echoing resilience and hope. For the older generation, these celebrations are tinged with both joy and sorrow. Last night, before tucking in, we lit up candles for my martyred brother and other fatalities in Kobane,” said Newrouz Ahmad, a 45-year-old mother of four children. “It is a pleasant day, however, it’s also a painful one. I wish he was here to see it.”
A Legacy of Resistance Against IS
Approximately a decade ago, the Islamic State (IS) posed a significant threat to this region, rapidly capturing towns and cities with minimal resistance. Their advance culminated in a fierce assault on Kobane in September 2014. Despite being surrounded, the city withstood a brutal siege for months. Kurdish-led forces, bolstered by support from a US-led coalition, eventually broke the siege in early 2015. Women played a pivotal role in this resistance, volunteering in large numbers for the all-female Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). Today, women in their 50s, armed with AK-47s, stand guard at checkpoints leading into Kobane, symbolizing the enduring spirit of defiance and empowerment.
Current Threats and Preparations
The hard-won peace in Kobane is fragile. Recent Turkish-backed offensives have brought battles perilously close to the city. A Kurdish commander confides, “Do not film here; we have been digging tunnels beneath the entire city in preparation for another siege.” The pervasive smell of petrol and the constant hum of generators underscore the city’s resilience in the face of adversity. Residents recount how Turkish airstrikes have targeted infrastructure, decimating power stations, refineries, and telecommunications antennas over the past two years. Despite these challenges, the community remains steadfast. “Having defeated IS in Kobane… we won’t let Turkey and its proxies occupy our city; we will defeat them too,” asserts Newrouz Ahmad. The collective resolve of Kobane’s inhabitants stands as a testament to their enduring commitment to protect their homeland and way of life.
NovelistKurdish Forces Strive to Preserve Autonomy Amid Regional Tensionsturn0news32,turn0news33,turn0news34
He was a soldier standing with his firearm before a building.
Outside of Kobane, SDF soldiers can be seen on guard.
Allegations have been made regarding attacks on civilians.
Turkish drones and Turkish jets are targeting SDF positions and supply lines in and around the city. Civilian protesters have been targeted too.
In a regional hospital, I meet one of the wounded – Lea Bunse, a 28-year-old German peace activist who has been volunteering at a women’s shelter in Rojava for over two years.
She shows me a piece of video in which an attack on a demonstration she says she was part of took place in January. The video shows two missiles falling from above and hitting a crowd dancing.
The protest took place near the strategic Tishreen Dam, where fighting has been ongoing ever since. The SDF says six civilians were killed, and many others were injured.
“An old man next to me was also injured,” she said from her hospital bed.
“I lost some blood… but when we got into the ambulance another drone attack was carried out next to our ambulance,” she added.
Human Rights Watch condemned an attack on a Kurdish Red Crescent ambulance as an “apparent war crime” committed by the Turkish-SNA coalition.
A foreign ministry representative told the BBC that “Reports claiming Turkey is involved in the attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure do not reflect the truth,” asserting the SDF intentionally put civilians in a “conflict-ridden area on purpose” to use them as “human shields… so as not to lose control on the said dam.”
Accusations were made by Turkey claiming, “Intending to pursue its separatist agenda, the SDF uses violence and terror, violates the ceasefire, and maintains that technical teams cannot be given access to the dam for repairs.”
Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa finds himself at the head of an Islamist group- namely, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)- that played a very large role in the struggle to dethrone the Assad regime. In undertaking that mission, he faces difficult challenges regarding uniting the diverse factions of Syria. His concept of a governmental arrangement in Damascus is an inclusive form of governance where, among other things, he wants the disarmament of all armed groups and negotiations with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) regarding the northeast situation. citeturn0news21
Turkey stands as an ever-present and lingering tension, critical in the near-integration of Kurdish factions into the Syrian state. Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) have been historically opposed by Ankara, which, according to them, was just a proxy of the PKK. After having taken this hardline on the Kurdish forces, it would become increasingly difficult for al-Sharaa to bring Kurdish representatives into the national dialogue.
Absence of Kurds in National Dialogue Conference
Al-Sharaa’s recently convened National Dialogue Conference for the Future of Syria was, in principle, denied the Kurdish autonomous administration because of a failure to receive an invitation. That such a thing was done simply amplifies the twists and turns around truly representing everybody in the reconciliation processes.
Meanwhile, Negotiations Continue With The SDF Against Turkish Hostilities
SDF Commander General Mazloum Abdi stated that he has been meeting with al-Sharaa in Damascus, although they have yet to arrive at any formal agreement. The SDF faces hostilities from Turkey and its allies, with Turkish bombardments continuing in the region. There is much opacity concerning the new government’s attitude towards Kurdish-held regions, apparently bombarded by Turkish officials and international actors in favor of Kurdish rights,” General Abdi stressed.
Concerns Over U.S. Withdrawal, IS Resurgence
Indeed, the SDF has stood by U.S. anti-IS operations with hundreds of troops stationed in Kurdish-controlled regions to thwart sleeper cells by IS. However, there are increasing fears that if the U.S. were to withdraw its troops from there, the region would effectively have little more than a Turkish free run and very possibly an IS uprising. General Abdi stated that any attack from Turkey would necessitate the diversion of SDF forces, thereby permitting IS fighters to make good use of that diversion, probably to stage prison breaks.
Albers understands that the evolution of these actors, as touched on by President al-Sharaa, are a key determinant in building a balance for the stability of Syria with internal and external challenges toward an inclusive and peaceful future.
An uncertain future.
Headshot of Roksana Mohamed wearing army uniform – she has long dark hair which is tied back. The green flag with the red star and letters Y and P can be seen behind her.
YPJ spokesperson Roksana Mohamed wants guarantees regarding women’s rights.
That adds to uncertainty for women who fought against IS in the ranks of the all-women armed group YPJ.
The walls of Roksana Mohamed’s office, a 29-year-old spokesperson of the YPJ, are adorned with pictures of fellow female commanders killed in battle.
“So far, we haven’t seen any roles given to women in Damascus’ new leadership,” she says. “Why shouldn’t a woman be defense minister?”
Women contested their rights in this region. They have been active in political, social, and military life.
“If our rights are not respected, how can we be expected to lay down our arms?” she asks.
So while some see a possibility of stability in Syria on the horizon, the future remains blurry for the Kurds. Will they get to be recognized as partners in a new Syria or will see exist in yet another battle for existence?
