Latest Developments
Massive Fighting on Syrian Coast: At least 400 people including 300 civilians have reportedly been killed in three days of intense fighting between Syria’s transitional government forces and Alawite insurgents loyal to former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The clashes erupted on March 6 after pro-Assad gunmen reportedly ambushed and killed 16 Syrian police members in Jableh, a coastal city in Latakia province. Several security personnel were also taken hostage during the attack by loyalists of the former Syrian leader, who was ousted in a 10-day offensive in December spearheaded by U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
Syria’s Transitional Government Mobilizes: In response to the ambush, the new Syrian government, led by transitional president and former al-Qaeda terrorist Ahmad al-Sharaa, deployed scores of troops across the Syrian countryside to regain control of the coastal region. Curfews were imposed on Latakia and Tartus, where much of the fighting was concentrated, and Syrian military convoys patrolled the streets to suppress the Alawite insurgency and seek out supporters of the former Assad regime.
Israel Reaffirms Call for Demilitarized Zone in Southern Syria: On March 7, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated Israel’s commitment to maintaining a demilitarized southern Syria and lambasted al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. “Al-Jolani switched his robe for a suit and presented a moderate face,” Katz said, adding, “Now he’s taken off the mask and exposed his true face: A jihadist terrorist of the al-Qaeda school who is committing horrifying acts against a civilian population.” Katz emphasized that “Israel will defend itself against any threat from Syria.”
FDD Expert Response
“It is hardly surprising that the remnants of such a vicious regime would try to claw their way back to power with violence. While Syria’s new president is a former al-Qaeda commander with whom the United States should deal extremely carefully, the old regime and its Iranian backers pose an even greater threat to the United States and its allies in the region. The best hope for Syria is a transition to representative government that gives full and equal rights to minorities, although that is not the direction in which the country is moving.” —David Adesnik, Vice President of Research
“The eruption of clashes in Syria’s coastal region was not just inevitable — it was a ticking time bomb. The new leadership’s failure to secure control over the Alawite stronghold all but guaranteed a resurgence of Assad loyalists. The notion that the Syrian civil war ended with Assad’s fall was always an illusion — it has merely entered a new phase. Iran still has ambitions in Syria and will do everything possible to keep the country in turmoil, ensuring an opportunity for their resurgence.” —Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst
FDD Background and Analysis
“Fierce clashes erupt between Assad loyalists and government forces in western Syria,” by Ahmad Sharawi
“Can Syria Survive?” by Seth J. Frantzman
“US kills Al Qaeda’s military commander for Syria,” by Bill Roggio
“‘We Will Not Allow Southern Syria to Become Southern Lebanon’: Israeli Warplanes Strike Military Targets in Syria,” FDD Flash Brief
Issues:
Al Qaeda Israel Israel at War Jihadism Syria