Syria’s Interim President Calls for Unity Amid Fresh Fighting
New York Times5 days ago
Syria Ends Military Operation Against Assad Loyalists
Above: Security forces loyal to the interim Syrian government ride in the back of a vehicle moving along a road in Syria's western city of Latakia on March 9, 2025. Image copyright: Omar Haj Kadour/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Syria's Defense Ministry announced Monday the end of a military operation against loyalists of former Pres. Bashar al-Assad in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartous, following days of intense violence that began with attacks by pro-Assad forces on Thursday.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), more than 1.5K people have been killed since Thursday, including 1,068 civilians, with the majority being Alawites, who SOHR said were killed by security personnel or pro-government fighters.
The violence reportedly began when gunmen from the Alawite community ambushed a security patrol in Jableh — killing at least 13 officers and prompting government forces and armed supporters to launch widespread operations in Alawite towns and villages across Latakia and Tartous provinces — where they have been accused of revenge killings against Alawite civilians.
The Spin
Narrative A
Despite the tragic violence following Assad's ouster, Syria's interim government under Ahmed al-Sharaa is making strides toward peace. Efforts to negotiate with the SDF and promising Kurdish rights, language recognition, and integration into a national army also show intent to end all conflicts. Supported by regional aid, these steps, though fragile, indicate progress toward stability and unity after years of division.
Narrative B
While al-Sharaa's message initially seems positive, the reality on the ground makes it hard to believe. The terrorist-led interim government is massacring innocent Alawites and targeting Christians, with entire families slaughtered. Meanwhile, Israel's occupation of the Golan and threats to encroach further on the Druze community signal more carnage — undermining any hope of peace despite promises of justice.