International reactions continue regarding the situation in the Syrian coast, due to clashes between the ministries of interior and defense in the interim Damascus government, and armed groups affiliated with the former Assad regime. Ankara stands by the Syrian administration, while Moscow has refused to comment.

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Öncü Keçeli, commented today, Friday, March 7, on the events in the Syrian coast, stating that “the tension in Latakia and its surrounding areas and targeting the security forces could harm the efforts to bring Syria into the future with unity and solidarity.”

He added in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “We are against any action that targets the right of Syrians to live in peace and prosperity,” asserting that Turkey will continue to “stand by the Syrian people and Syrian government.”

Keçeli emphasized that he would not allow what he described as “provocations” to become a threat to “peace” in Syria and Turkey.

Yesterday, March 6, a Turkish military convoy entered through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey, as reported by a correspondent from Enab Baladi, but its destination has not yet been clarified at the time of writing this news.

For its part, the spokesperson for the Russian presidency (Kremlin), Dmitry Peskov, refused to comment on the events in the Syrian coast, stating, “I do not want to comment on the course of this operation, as we do not know the details.”

He added, according to reports from the TASS agency, that the security of the Russian military stationed in Syria is ensured at an appropriate level, considering that “the necessary security for Russian soldiers is guaranteed at the appropriate level.”

As for the events in the Syrian coast that began yesterday and are still ongoing, clashes have occurred around the Hmeimim military airport between elements of the Syrian internal security and the Syrian Ministry of Defense in the interim Damascus government, and elements whom the latter refers to as “remnants of the former regime.”

Additionally, what is called the “Supreme Alawite Islamic Council” has called for a Russian and international intervention to protect the Syrian coast.

Gulf reactions

The ongoing events in the Syrian coast have received international reactions, notably the support of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council for the government in Damascus.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed its condemnation of what it termed “the crimes committed by groups outside the law in Syria and their targeting of security forces,” affirming its support for Damascus for what it considered efforts to maintain security, stability, and preserve civil peace.

Moreover, the final statement of the Gulf Cooperation Council ministerial meeting condemned acts of violence aimed at destabilizing Syria, calling for the lifting of sanctions on Syria.

Cities and rural areas of Latakia and Tartus have witnessed notable developments in the clashes between the interim Syrian government and what it calls “remnants of the former regime,” prompting it to send reinforcements to the coastal regions.

The Syrian administration controls the city centers in Latakia and Tartus, while clashes occur due to the combing of rural areas and hills where former regime elements are stationed.