The commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, has called on Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to take immediate action against those responsible for the recent wave of communal violence in the country’s coastal regions. In a written statement to Reuters, Abdi accused factions supported by Türkiye and extremist groups of being primarily responsible for the bloodshed, urging the government to intervene to prevent further “massacres.”
The conflict erupted following coordinated attacks by former army personnel loyal to ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, targeting Syrian security forces on Thursday. In response, thousands of armed supporters of Syria’s new leadership flooded the coastal areas to reinforce government forces, triggering a brutal cycle of revenge killings. According to Syrian security sources, at least 200 government personnel were killed in the initial attacks, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported over 1,000 casualties in the ensuing clashes.
The violence in Syria’s coastal areas marks a dangerous escalation in the country’s ongoing instability following the toppling of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. What began as a series of ambushes by pro-Assad elements against security forces quickly spiraled into full-blown communal violence, fueled by longstanding sectarian and political divisions.
Reports indicate that former army personnel who remained loyal to Assad launched well-coordinated attacks on security positions, catching government forces off guard. Syrian officials say the attacks, which involved both direct confrontations and guerrilla-style ambushes, were meant to destabilize the newly established administration.
In the aftermath of the initial violence, armed supporters of the new leadership, including members of various ethnic and sectarian groups, mobilized to confront pro-Assad elements. The rapid influx of these fighters into coastal areas led to widespread bloodshed, as both sides engaged in retaliatory violence. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with gunfire, explosions, and reports of civilians being caught in the crossfire.
“The situation is dire. Entire villages have been burned, and families have been forced to flee their homes,” said an activist from the region, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns. “People are being killed simply because of their sectarian identity or political affiliation.”
In response to the violence, SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi has urged President Ahmed al-Sharaa to take decisive steps to halt the massacres and hold those responsible accountable. Abdi emphasized that some factions within the newly formed Syrian army were using their positions to fuel sectarian tensions rather than work toward national unity.
“The method of forming the new Syrian army must be reconsidered,” Abdi stated. “Certain factions are exploiting their role within the army to create sectarian conflicts and settle internal scores.”
His comments highlight growing concerns that the composition and leadership of Syria’s new military forces may be exacerbating existing tensions rather than fostering stability. Abdi’s warning also underscores the risk of further factionalism, as different groups within the security apparatus pursue their own agendas.
The Kurdish-led SDF has played a significant role in Syria’s recent history, particularly in the fight against ISIS. However, its relationship with the central government has often been complicated, with periods of cooperation and friction. Abdi’s call for accountability signals the SDF’s willingness to engage with the new administration but also reflects deep concerns over the handling of post-Assad security challenges.
One of the most contentious elements of Abdi’s statement is his accusation that Türkiye-backed factions are among the main perpetrators of the coastal violence. Türkiye has long been involved in Syria’s complex conflict, supporting opposition groups and maintaining military presence in various regions of northern Syria.
If Abdi’s claims are accurate, it would indicate that Ankara’s influence extends beyond northern Syria and into areas now under the control of the new government. This raises serious questions about Türkiye’s role in post-Assad Syria and its potential efforts to shape the country’s future in line with its strategic interests.
Türkiye has not yet responded to these allegations. However, analysts suggest that Turkish-backed groups may be leveraging Syria’s fragile security situation to maintain leverage over the new administration. Given Türkiye’s longstanding opposition to Kurdish autonomy in Syria, Abdi’s accusations could also be seen as part of a broader struggle between Kurdish forces and Ankara-backed factions.
As the violence continues, humanitarian organizations warn of an impending crisis. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimates that thousands of civilians have been displaced, many fleeing to already overcrowded refugee camps or seeking shelter in makeshift conditions.
International aid groups have called for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to allow civilians to escape the fighting. However, with no clear resolution in sight, fears are growing that the violence could spread to other regions, further complicating Syria’s already dire humanitarian situation.
“The world cannot afford to look away,” said a representative from an international humanitarian organization. “The Syrian people have suffered for too long, and this latest wave of violence threatens to undo what little progress has been made toward peace.”
As Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa faces mounting pressure to contain the violence and assert control over the security situation. His administration must balance the competing interests of various factions within the military while preventing the country from descending into another prolonged conflict.
Observers say that addressing Abdi’s concerns about the composition of the Syrian army will be crucial to ensuring long-term stability. A failure to hold perpetrators accountable or curb sectarian violence could weaken Sharaa’s authority and embolden rival factions seeking to exploit the chaos.
Moreover, the role of international actors—including Türkiye, Russia, and the United States—will likely influence how events unfold. If external forces continue to support different factions within Syria, efforts to stabilize the country could be significantly undermined.
For now, the situation remains volatile, with no clear end in sight to the violence. As armed groups continue to clash and civilians bear the brunt of the conflict, Syria’s fragile peace hangs in the balance.
The violence in Syria’s coastal areas has once again highlighted the deep-rooted divisions and external influences that continue to shape the country’s future. With more than 1,000 people already killed and thousands displaced, the need for immediate intervention and accountability is critical.
Whether President Ahmed al-Sharaa can navigate this crisis and prevent further bloodshed remains to be seen. However, as the calls for justice grow louder, the world watches closely to see whether Syria can finally move toward a more stable and unified future.
