Syrian Coast Clashes: UN Expresses “Deep Concern,” Iran Condemns “Killing of Innocent Syrians”
The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed concern on Friday over reports of clashes resulting in numerous deaths along the Syrian coast between forces of the interim Syrian authorities and elements loyal to the ousted President Bashar al-Assad.
Pedersen stressed that “deeply alarming reports of civilian casualties” clearly necessitate “restraint by all parties and adherence to the protection provided to civilians under international law.”
For its part, Iran commented on the events, with its Foreign Ministry on Friday strongly opposing the “killing of innocent Syrians and causing them harm.” A statement by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei emphasized that Iran “strongly opposes insecurity, violence, the killing of innocent Syrians, and causing them harm by any group or faction, considering it a prelude to spreading instability in the region.”
Jordan Condemns “Targeting of Syria’s Security”
Also on Friday, Jordan condemned all attempts to “target Syria’s security.” Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi wrote on X: “We condemn all attempts, groups, and external interventions that target the security, sovereignty, and peace of our sisterly Syria.” He added that “attempts to push Syria toward chaos, strife, and conflict are crimes that pose a direct threat to the region’s stability.”
Safadi affirmed, “We stand by the Syrian government in all measures it takes to protect Syria’s stability, the safety of its people, and to maintain law and civil peace.” He also called for supporting “the building of the new Syrian state on foundations that protect its unity, security, stability, and sovereignty, and preserve the rights of all members of the brotherly Syrian people.”
Escalation in the Coastal Region
On Friday, Syrian security forces intensified their presence and conducted sweep operations in the coastal region in the west of the country, a stronghold of the Alawite minority to which Assad belongs. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that these forces “executed” over 100 Alawites following unprecedented clashes with armed groups loyal to the ousted president.
The authorities also announced the extension of a curfew in the cities of Tartous and Latakia amid clashes that erupted on Thursday, described as the “most violent” since Assad’s ousting on December 8.
Russia Calls for De-escalation
Russia, on Friday, called for “calming the situation” and halting “bloodshed” in Syria. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated, “We call on Syrian leaders capable of influencing developments on the ground to make every effort to stop the bloodshed as soon as possible.” She affirmed Russia’s readiness to “closely coordinate efforts with foreign partners to de-escalate the situation.”
Upcoming Regional Meeting
On Sunday, Amman is set to host a meeting involving Syria and four neighboring countries—Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Iraq—to discuss cooperation in combating terrorism, arms smuggling, and drug trafficking.
Turkey Warns Against “Provocations Threatening Peace”
Turkey, on Friday, warned against any “provocations threatening peace.” The spokesperson for the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Oncu Keceli, stated that “tensions in Latakia and its surroundings and the targeting of security forces could undermine efforts aimed at leading Syria toward unity and brotherhood.” He cautioned that “such provocations could become a threat to peace in Syria and the region.”
Turkey, a supporter of the transitional authority in Damascus, continues to deploy thousands of troops on Syrian soil.
US State Department Monitors Escalating Violence in Syria’s Coastal Region
