Attachments
Reporting Period: 6 - 17 March 2025
Situation Update
- Since March 6, Syria's coastal region, including Jableh, Banyas, Tartous, and Latakia, has seen significant tensions, hostilities, and episodes of violence, including the killing of civilians. Clashes peaked on March 7 and 8 between members of the caretaker authorities (CTA)’ security forces and elements associated with the former government.1 The conflict has led to significant civilian casualties, especially in rural areas. As of 11 March, the UN Human Rights Office has verified the killing of 111 civilians, with the actual death toll expected to be higher.2 Security incidents also affected at least six hospitals in Latakia, Tartus, and Banyas3, and the widespread looting of homes and shops. The violence is also the result of mounting hate speech, online and offline, and the widespread dissemination of misinformation, exacerbating fear among the targeted population.
- The escalation has displaced thousands, with reports of people seeking refuge at the Russian-controlled Hmeimim airbase, where only women and children are allowed entry, and at Banyas Refinery housing. An unknown number of people have also fled to the mountains surrounding the cities. Initial reports from the local Lebanese authorities indicate that at least 19,000 people4 have crossed the border to the Akkar region and are being hosted in communities and 15 collective shelters. This influx has the potential to trigger inter-communal tensions.5
- The humanitarian situation is dire, and access remains challenging in many rural areas, with electricity and water cut off in rural Latakia, especially Jableh and Banyas, worsening food shortages and essential services. Fuel remains available. Major roads along the Syrian coast are closed, with security checkpoints controlling movement, while the M1 highway between Latakia and Homs reopened on 12 March. The violence has caused severe psychological trauma, especially among children and those who have witnessed or experienced violence firsthand. The current situation is likely to worsen the already low school attendance rates. If this situation continues, students may need catch-up programmes, home-based learning, or distance education. Schools reopened on 16 March with very low attendance rates, and four schools (two in Tartous and two in Latakia) are being used as temporary shelters for displaced families. The risk of gender-based and sexual violence has increased, with women reporting threats to their safety.