Over 200 Killed In Syria’s Deadliest Clashes Since Assad's Fall; Islamist-Led Government Forces Kill 140 In Revenge Attacks

Fierce clashes erupted in Syria’s coastal regions as forces aligned with the new Islamists led government launched assaults on multiple villages, reportedly killing dozens in retaliation for recent attacks by fighters loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad, reported The Hindu.

The conflict, which broke out on Thursday (6 March) and continued into Friday, marks the deadliest episode of violence since Assad’s government was overthrown in December 2024.

Retaliatory Attacks in Coastal Villages

According to reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, fighters backing the new Islamist-led government stormed the villages of Sheer, Mukhtariyeh, and Haffah, executing 69 men while sparing women. 

Another 60 casualties, including women and children, were reported in the town of Baniyas.

The surge in hostilities follows a series of attacks on government security forces by pro-Assad factions, signaling a persistent resistance despite his removal from power.

Mounting Casualties in Renewed Conflict

The Syrian Observatory estimates that over 200 people have been killed since the recent outbreak of violence, including 140 individuals who were targeted in reprisal killings in coastal villages, 50 members of the new government’s security forces, and 45 fighters loyal to Assad.

Since the civil war erupted in March 2011, Syria has witnessed unrelenting bloodshed, with over half a million casualties and millions displaced. 

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