Syria: Coastal Clashes Continue as Turkey Increases Military Presence in Idlib: At Least 540 Dead, 340 Alawite

As of March 08, 2025, these clashes have drawn regional attention, with Turkey deploying military forces to Idlib the previous day.

SYRIA - Skirmishes in Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus have intensified between forces loyal to the former Assad government and the country’s new administration, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). As of March 08, 2025, these clashes have drawn regional attention, with Turkey deploying military forces to Idlib the previous day.

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The fighting includes Alawite community members among the former Assad forces and is led on the HTS side by Ahmad al-Sharaa, previously known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reports over 340 Alawites deaths in the engagements, with expectations of further casualties as the situation unfolds. Local authorities have enacted curfews in both provinces to address the regional escalation.

Syria’s Coastal Unrest: At Least 540 Dead, Including 340 Alawites, Tensions Escalate: