Damascus, Syria – In a statement issued on Friday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova expressed concern over the escalating situation in Syria, urging all Syrian leaders to do everything in their power to stop the bloodshed.
Several Arab and international reactions have emerged concerning the ongoing clashes in Syria’s coastal regions, between the forces of the Ministry of Defense and the Security Forces under the new Syrian administration and the Assad loyalists in the coastal areas.
The United Nations also weighed in on the situation. Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Stéphane Dujarric, condemned all acts of violence in Syria during a press briefing in New York on Friday, calling on all parties to protect civilians and halt hostilities.
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The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Friday expressing grave concern about the ongoing clashes in Syria’s coastal areas, which have resulted in casualties and injuries. Egypt reaffirmed its support for Syria and its national institutions, emphasizing the importance of protecting the country’s sovereignty and stability while rejecting any actions that could undermine Syria’s security. The Egyptian statement also highlighted the need for comprehensive political dialogue that ensures the participation of all segments of Syrian society without exclusion.
On the international stage, Russian spokesperson Maria Zakharova called for national unity and greater protection for civilians, stressing the importance of safeguarding the rights of citizens, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the actions of lawless groups in Syria, who have targeted security forces and state institutions. Kuwait reiterated its support for Syria and the steps being taken by the Syrian government to preserve its security and stability.
Similarly, the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the crimes committed by these lawless groups and their attempts to destabilize the country’s security and civil peace.
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The UAE Foreign Ministry also condemned the attacks carried out by armed groups in Syria, emphasizing the UAE’s consistent stance in supporting Syria’s stability and territorial integrity.
Iranian officials expressed concern over the potential regional instability caused by the violence in Syria. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baqai stated that Tehran is closely monitoring the developments in Syria with great concern, urging for the protection of Syrian citizens and the preservation of the country’s territorial integrity. Iran opposed any form of insecurity or violence targeting innocent civilians, regardless of their group or sect.
UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, also called on all parties to exercise restraint following the escalation of violence in the coastal provinces of Tartus and Latakia. Pedersen expressed his deep concern over the intense clashes between military forces from the Syrian transitional government and the deposed Assad regime loyalists.
In a post on social media platform “X” on Friday, Pedersen said that the situation in Syria was becoming increasingly alarming, especially with reports of civilian casualties, urging the protection of civilians in accordance with international law.
Since last Thursday Latakia and Tartus, the two major costal cities in Syria, have witnessed fierce clashes following an attack by Assad loyalists on security checkpoints and headquarters of the Syrian Interim Government’s public security forces. The attack led to the capture of several areas, prompting the Syrian Ministry of Defense and Security forces to launch large-scale military operations, resulting in intense battles. Reports have emerged of civilian casualties and extrajudicial killings.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that at least 125 civilians were killed by the Public Security forces during military operations in Latakia, Tartus, and Hama. Additionally, over 50 civilians were executed without trial, according to reports by Al Araby TV. The network also confirmed that Assad loyalists killed 100 Security Forces personnel and 15 civilians in Latakia.
The ongoing violence has drawn significant international concern, with calls for dialogue and a halt to the violence, while emphasizing the protection of civilian lives and Syria’s sovereignty.
