IDF Continues Operations in Syria as Clashes Intensify in Coastal Areas

In a series of targeted raids over the last week, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have made significant strides in dismantling military equipment in Syria. Troops from the Paratroopers Brigade, the Armored Corps, and the elite special forces Yahalom unit, under the command of Brigade 474, successfully confiscated and destroyed rifles, ammunition, missiles, and additional military materials. These operations were conducted at strategic points across Syria to prevent potential threats to Israel.

The IDF’s actions, including these raids, are part of a broader defensive operation. A military spokesperson reiterated that the IDF is committed to continuing its operations aimed at neutralizing threats, thereby ensuring the safety of Israel and its citizens. The statement emphasized the military's determination to bolster Israel's defense and to mitigate any risks posed by hostile entities in the region.

The escalation comes amid ongoing violence in Syria. In the last two days alone, over 340 civilians, mostly from the Alawite minority, were killed by Syrian security forces and affiliated gunmen. These deaths mark a horrific new chapter in Syria’s long-running civil war. While some sources report slightly fewer casualties, the situation remains dire. As the violence continues to escalate, the IDF has focused on countering potential incursions into Israel by Syrian jihadists.

The timing of these military operations coincides with the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Shams (HTS), a jihadist group that took power in Syria in early December under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa. HTS has sparked concerns over the potential persecution of minorities, particularly in light of its roots in jihadism. Despite efforts by Sharaa to rebrand HTS as a more tolerant governing authority, the group's ties to al-Qaeda and ISIS remain a matter of concern. These developments have led the IDF to preemptively act to prevent an invasion of Syrian jihadists.

Meanwhile, Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa has called for peace and national unity amidst escalating violence in coastal regions. Sharaa, speaking from his childhood neighborhood in Mazzah, Damascus, reassured the public that Syria "has the characteristics for survival" and urged citizens to "live together." He acknowledged that the country was facing expected challenges but emphasized the importance of preserving national unity.

The recent violence erupted after coordinated attacks and ambushes between forces linked to the new Islamist government and supporters of the Alawite sect, which was previously loyal to Assad. Syrian security sources reported that at least 200 members of the security forces were killed, and violence quickly escalated into revenge killings. Thousands of armed supporters of the new regime flooded the coastal areas, exacerbating the clashes and leading to mass violence.

Authorities have blamed summary executions and deadly raids on the militias that came to assist the new government, accusing them of targeting villages and towns inhabited by the Alawite minority. These areas were once strongholds for Assad’s supporters, and resentment over past crimes appears to be fueling much of the bloodshed.

The situation in the coastal provinces, including Latakia, has grown more dire with overnight clashes continuing throughout various towns. Armed groups have targeted key infrastructure, including power stations, water pumping stations, and fuel depots, attempting to create chaos and disrupt daily life. The attacks have left large parts of the province without electricity, and security forces have set up new checkpoints in an effort to quell the unrest.

Despite the growing violence, Sharaa’s message remains one of hope and resilience. He stressed that Syria could endure and navigate through these trying times, calling on Syrians to look toward a future of peace and unity. However, the ongoing violence presents a severe challenge to the interim government’s efforts to stabilize the country and rebuild after Assad's ousting.