The military developments in the Syrian coast over the past few hours have sparked different reactions from local and international parties, following ambushes by remnants of the previous regime targeting General Security Forces.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the crimes committed by lawless groups in Syria and their targeting of security forces.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed in a statement today, Friday, March 7, its support for the Syrian government in its efforts to maintain security, stability, and public peace.
The final statement from the Gulf Cooperation Council’s ministerial meeting condemned all acts of violence aimed at destabilizing Syria, calling for the lifting of sanctions on the country.
US Congressman Joe Wilson stated that “The butcher Assad is attempting to restore power in Syria. Assad is hiding in Moscow and has Russian support. Iran has called on the people to revolt.”
Wilson further added that Iran and Russia are working together to destabilize Syria, saying, “We need Russia and Iran out of Syria completely!”
On the local front, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) expressed its concern and sadness over the clashes occurring in the coast, which it described as battles between forces affiliated with the Damascus authorities and military groups in the region.
AANES stated that the reason for this escalation was the incorrect reading of the Syrian reality by the authorities in Damascus, and the failure to take into account the sensitivity of the situation in Syria, especially the diversity of its components and spectrums. “Such an escalation pushes our country to the brink of disaster and could lead to massacres against our Syrian people.”
AANES called upon all parties to act wisely, exercise restraint, and halt this escalation that would widen the gap between Syrian national forces, stating that the Syrian people alone will pay the price for these contradictions. It emphasized that Syria needs a real national dialogue to discuss ways to bring it to safety, and to resolve all contradictions and outstanding issues between Syrian forces.
In the same context, the Syrian Islamic Council called on all Syrians to stand against the remnants of al-Assad regime and resist them, “in rejection of their criminal acts and to aid the state under its banner against our enemies, ensuring public peace and national unity.”
The Council also called for protests and sit-ins in squares and mosques today, Friday, in support of the Syrian government’s clear stance against the “criminal assaults” on the safety and security of citizens.
Tensions have escalated in the Syrian coast in northwestern Syria, following ambushes targeting General Security Forces, which were met with a campaign from the Ministry of Interior and Defense against the remnants of the previous regime, along with reinforcements and mobilizations in other provinces.
The General Security Administration has mobilized all its forces and sent reinforcements overnight to the coastal regions, where intense clashes have occurred, particularly in the cities of Latakia, Tartus, and Jableh with the regime’s remnants.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense announced today that its forces have entered the cities of Tartus and Latakia to support the General Security Administration against the remnants of Assad’s militias, in order to restore stability and security to the region.
A leadership source in the General Security Administration announced to the Syrian news agency (SANA) the extension of the curfew in the cities of Latakia and Tartus, and the commencement of wide-scale combing operations in urban centers, villages, towns, and the surrounding mountains.
Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, the spokesperson for the Syrian Ministry of Defense, addressed the remnants of Assad’s regime following the events witnessed in the coastal areas on Thursday, March 6.
Abdul Ghani stated, “To the major war criminals who have spilled the blood of our people, you have been defeated despite your fortifications and equipment. Today, you are scattered among the mountains with no refuge other than the courts where you will face justice.”
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense added, “As for the remaining elements, do not become fuel for a losing war. Bashar al-Assad has fled and left you to your fate; do not repeat the mistake so it isn’t your last. Thousands have chosen to surrender their weapons and return to their families, while some insist on fleeing and dying to defend killers and criminals. The choice is clear: surrender your weapons or meet your inevitable fate.”