Red Cross Warns of Humanitarian Crisis in Syria’s Coastal Region

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expresses grave concern over the violence in Syria’s coastal region and calls for humanitarian access, March 2025.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expresses grave concern over the violence in Syria’s coastal region and calls for humanitarian access, March 2025.

By Kardo Roj

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has raised alarm over escalating violence in Syria’s coastal region, particularly in Latakia and Tartus, urging all actors to respect civilian lives and facilitate humanitarian access.

In a statement on Saturday, Stephan Sakalian, head of the ICRC delegation in Syria, stressed the urgent need to protect civilians and allow humanitarian workers to operate safely.

“We are extremely concerned by reports of violence that have resulted in a high number of casualties in Syria’s coastal region,” Sakalian said. “We urge all actors involved to respect civilian lives and ensure that first responders and humanitarian workers have safe access to provide medical aid and transport the wounded and the dead.”

Since Thursday, heavy clashes have erupted between Syrian security forces and armed groups accused of links to the former regime. The fighting has led to dozens of deaths and injuries, while roadblocks and security measures have restricted access to affected areas.

Humanitarian organizations fear that the inability to deliver aid could worsen conditions for civilians caught in the violence. The ICRC has called for:

Safe passage for civilians fleeing the fighting.

Unimpeded access to healthcare and protection of medical facilities.

Humane treatment of detainees.

Protection of vital infrastructure, including water and electricity supplies.

While monitoring the situation, the ICRC has been working closely with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) to deliver medical aid and evacuate the wounded.

Arab League and Religious Leaders Call for Restraint

The Arab League has condemned what it described as “foreign interventions fueling violence”, warning that external interference could further destabilize Syria. It called for political measures to “preserve civil peace and prevent worsening internal divisions.”

Additionally, a joint statement from Syria’s Christian patriarchs denounced the attacks on civilians and called for national reconciliation, urging authorities to prevent collective punishment and sectarian reprisals.

The latest violence in Syria’s coastal region has sparked concerns about further escalation, with opposition groups and local leaders warning that the situation could spiral out of control.

As humanitarian organizations struggle to access the affected areas, the fate of civilians remains uncertain. With international actors urging restraint, the question remains whether Syria’s warring factions will heed these calls before the situation deteriorates further.