AANES blames Damascus for coastal escalation, calls for dialogue
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) held on Friday the Syrian government responsible for the recent escalation in Syria’s coastal areas, which has claimed the lives of dozens of Syrians.
The AANES called on all parties to de-escalate and engage in dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.
In an official statement, the AANES expressed deep concern over the situation in the coastal areas, stating that the root cause of the escalation lies in “Damascus’ misreading of the Syrian situation and its failure to consider the sensitivity of the situation, particularly the country’s diverse social and sectarian composition.”
Meanwhile, the General Security Administration in Latakia—an Alawite stronghold on Syria’s western coast—announced the imposition of a curfew until 10:00 AM on Friday. The measure follows violent clashes between security forces and armed groups reportedly loyal to ousted president Bashar al-Assad, which have left more than 70 people dead, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
The decision to enforce the curfew came after Latakia witnessed unprecedented fighting since Assad’s removal on Dec. 8, 2024. The clashes prompted security forces to deploy attack helicopters against the armed factions.
Saudi Arabia has expressed its support for the Syria government, while the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria and the diaspora condemned the targeting of civilian homes by warplanes.
The council also called for a peaceful sit-in on Friday to “raise the voice of truth against injustice,” particularly in Latakia, Tartus, Damascus, and Homs.
In its statement, the AANES urged all Syrian parties to halt the escalation and pursue dialogue, warning against being drawn into a civil war. It emphasized that Syria is in urgent need of a “genuine national dialogue to find a path toward stability and resolve ongoing conflicts among all forces.”