Nearly two weeks after the bloody events on the Syrian coast, which resulted in over a thousand deaths and tens of thousands of displaced people, the issue has returned to the political spotlight, particularly concerning the situation of those displaced from the Syrian coast to the Russian Hmeimim base in the northwest of the country, and the reasons behind Russia’s protection of them. The initial spark of violence began with attacks by remnants of the former regime on Syrian security force checkpoints. These attacks were numerous, organized, coordinated, and had an external dimension, primarily from Russia and specifically from the Hmeimim base, which now houses senior officers and remnants of the former regime.
However, what led to the situation spiraling out of control was the recent integration of armed factions into the Syrian General Security apparatus. This integration is not yet complete and is more formal than substantive, as evidenced by the violations that occurred on the coast. The violence forced some residents of coastal cities and villages to flee, with some heading to Lebanon while others remained inside Syria, hiding in orchards, mountains, and remote areas. Thousands sought refuge at the Russian Hmeimim airbase. Reuters quoted a woman named Rana (34 years old) who said she and her family went to the Hmeimim base, located 11 kilometers from her village, Al-Sanobar, an Alawite-majority village, after waking up to the sound of gunfire. After a few days, Rana returned home after confirming that the violence had ended and relative calm had returned to the area.
However, it seems that the situation has not completely stabilized on the ground. According to Ratib Shaabo, a Syrian doctor and writer from Latakia living in France, the situation remains unstable, but there is no way to document and publish what is happening. Shaabo reported receiving information confirming that internet access had been cut off in some areas of the Syrian coast, and that atrocities were being committed against civilians there, especially in the village of Damsarkho, one of the villages of Jableh city. On the other hand, Alawites have a deep-seated fear of Islamists, and thus they are also on high alert and fearful of any confrontation with them. Some are also deeply concerned about those currently in power in Syria.
Meanwhile, two Syrian sources among the refugees at the Hmeimim base denied reports that civilians who had sought refuge at the Russian base had left following the recent violence on the Syrian coast. Media outlets reported that the Russians had not forced anyone to leave the base, contrary to claims by those close to the new Syrian administration. This comes despite a statement issued by the Russian base command two days earlier, calling on civilians who had sought refuge at the base to leave, citing improved security conditions. One of the sources said that the Russians speak two different languages: one for the refugees at the base and another for the outside world. “They gave us an explanation for the statement issued by the base command after we met with several officers,” the source said.
The Russian base command explained that the forces deployed at Hmeimim had made significant efforts to rescue civilians but noted the base’s limited resources and inability to provide suitable living conditions for an extended period. It also called on the refugees to seek “ways to reconcile with the Syrian authorities and return to their normal lives.” The document confirmed that the Russian command at the base would provide food rations to civilians leaving on March 16 to ensure they had some basic necessities during their transition back to their home areas. It also emphasized that humanitarian and diplomatic efforts were ongoing to ensure the safety of civilians and provide them with a secure environment. The statement noted that the UN Security Council had issued a resolution calling for de-escalation, amid diplomatic moves between the United States and Russia to ensure calm and stability in the country. The statement warned against any attempts to incite chaos or repeat the events that occurred earlier in the month, stressing that current measures aim to ensure the safe exit of civilians while reconciliation efforts with the new authorities continue.
Amid these tense circumstances, accusations against Moscow of involvement against the new authorities are escalating. Some close to the Syrian authorities accuse Moscow of intervening to support military figures linked to the former regime during the recent events on the coast. Media outlets close to the new authorities reported coordination between the Russian Hmeimim base and fighters from the former regime to support what they called the “liberation of the coast.” Audio recordings of fighters from the “remnants of the regime” were leaked, documenting communications with the Russian base, including promises of logistical and military support to these groups. Sources close to the Syrian authorities and affiliated media outlets claimed that Russian soldiers were working “softly” with these military figures from the ousted regime, offering promises in exchange for their steadfastness on the ground.
According to these sources, the Russian base provided weapons and equipment to these groups through a gate near the village of “Bustan Al-Basha,” located about 2.7 kilometers from the base. The base also provided medical services to injured members of the “remnants of the regime” through a military gate overlooking the “Batrah” area in Jableh. According to the recordings, Russian officers urged fighters from the former regime to hold their ground against the General Security forces for 48 hours, pending the arrival of promised support from the Russian base, which was awaiting final approval from the Kremlin for direct intervention, as reported by media outlets affiliated with the Damascus authorities.
