The repercussions of the escalation on the Syrian coast are still ongoing. Earlier this month, the region witnessed military clashes marked by severe violations against civilians. The violence erupted on March 5 when remnants of the former regime launched attacks against internal security forces of the current Syrian government in Latakia and Tartus. The situation deteriorated over consecutive days, resulting in a humanitarian disaster, with thousands displaced. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the death toll has reached 803, including 211 civilians, 176 security forces, and 420 civilians and unarmed fighters.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense has faced accusations of committing violations during military operations against remnants of the former regime in Latakia and Tartus. While the Syrian presidency acknowledged abuses by its security forces and vowed to hold perpetrators accountable, activists reported the involvement of non-state armed groups in targeting civilians. Meanwhile, a committee was formed to investigate crimes committed on the Syrian coast.
In its first statement after being established, Yasser Al-Farhan, a member of the fact-finding committee, stated that the committee had begun its work on the ground and would submit its findings to the country’s president.
The coordinator of the Guardians of Equality Movement in the Syrian coast suffered damage to his home due to military operations and clashes, with armed groups looting its contents. Fearing assassination due to his Alawite identity, he was forced to flee with his family. He confirmed heavy security presence in predominantly Alawite neighborhoods, which remain deserted, with homes abandoned and commercial properties damaged.
Meanwhile, many families continue to suffer from a difficult humanitarian situation, according to the field coordinator in the coastal region. Many of them are taking shelter in agricultural groves and caves in the mountains, while media cameras have documented young men and families crossing the Syrian border toward Lebanon.
The displacement crisis continues, with the number of refugees fleeing to northern Lebanon surpassing 10,000. Urgent protection requests to the Guardians of Equality Movement from the Syrian coast have surged, with all applicants expressing terror over displacement and siege: “The situation after what happened on the coast is catastrophic. Thank God we’re still alive! But we die a thousand deaths every day.”
LGBTQIA+ individuals in Syria often face heightened risks during military escalations or humanitarian crises.
Meanwhile, Syrians have expressed solidarity with the coastal events. Protests inside and outside Syria demanded accountability for perpetrators and condemned crimes against civilians. Local initiatives, including Wasl Network, the Houran Team, and the Idlibi Platform, have launched humanitarian campaigns to provide aid and support.
The Guardians of Equality movement urges the Syrian administration to uphold human rights principles and protect the dignity of Syrian citizens without any discrimination based on any grounds. They also call for accountability for the perpetrators of violations and ensure that such violations do not occur again.
Additionally, the organization calls on members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Syrian coast to exercise extreme caution and to contact us for support and assistance.
