by Following the rapid overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime by Islamist rebels, Syria continues to face significant instability. The interim administration, under the leadership of Ahmad al-Sharaa, is struggling with increasing security issues, such as fierce resistance from Assad’s remaining supporters. Although the fall of Assad’s repressive regime was a pivotal moment in Syria’s 13-year conflict, achieving lasting peace remains a complex challenge.
Months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in a swift Islamist-led rebel offensive, Syria remains a country in turmoil. The new transitional government, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, is grappling with mounting security challenges, including violent resistance from pockets of Assad loyalists. While the dismantling of Assad’s oppressive state apparatus marked a turning point in Syria’s 13-year civil war, the nation’s path to stability is proving to be far from straightforward.
A persistent danger from Assad supporters
In the periods following Assad’s exit, his supporters have become a major rebel force. These leftovers of the former regime, many deeply rooted in Syria’s military, intelligence, and political structures, have utilized their existing networks to coordinate armed opposition. This revolt has been especially active in the coastal regions of Latakia and Tartous, traditional strongholds of the Assad lineage and residence to a substantial portion of Syria’s Alawite minority.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights recently highlighted a fatal ambush in the province of Latakia, where gunmen attacked government troops trying to detain a former Assad official. This assault resulted in the deaths of at least 13 security members and sparked a surge of violence throughout the area. By the next day, confrontations had intensified, leading to more than 120 fatalities—a clear indication of the difficulties confronting the interim administration.
The Institute for the Study of War, a research body, has cautioned that Assad loyalists may constitute some of the most proficient insurgent groups in Syria. Their expertise in military strategy and capacity to exploit existing networks provide them with a tactical edge in orchestrating assaults against the new regime. For interim President Sharaa, this escalating insurgency is the primary hurdle to solidifying control and maintaining national security.
The Institute for the Study of War, a research organization, has warned that Assad loyalists are likely to form some of the most effective insurgent cells in Syria. Their familiarity with military tactics and their ability to utilize established networks give them a strategic advantage in coordinating attacks against the new government. For interim President Sharaa, this growing insurgency represents the most significant obstacle to consolidating authority and ensuring national security.
The rebel activities in Latakia and Tartous have exacerbated tensions between Syria’s Sunni-led transitional administration and the Alawite minority, a Shia branch that was the foundation of Assad’s regime. The Alawites, who had privileges and influence under Assad’s rule, have suffered considerable setbacks since its downfall. Many now feel sidelined and targeted, despite Sharaa’s promises that his government will honor Syria’s varied religious groups.
The insurgent activity in Latakia and Tartous has further strained relations between Syria’s Sunni-led transitional government and the Alawite minority, a Shia offshoot that formed the backbone of Assad’s regime. The Alawites, who enjoyed privileges and power under the Assad government, have faced significant losses in the aftermath of its collapse. Many now feel marginalized and targeted, despite Sharaa’s assurances that his administration will respect Syria’s diverse religious communities.
Recent reports of violence against Alawite communities have deepened these tensions. Activists have accused government-aligned gunmen of killing dozens of male residents in Alawite areas, a claim that has not been independently verified but has nonetheless sparked outrage. Such incidents risk driving more Alawites into the arms of insurgent groups, further complicating the government’s efforts to stabilize the region.
The upcoming economic and diplomatic hurdles
Apart from the pressing security challenges, Syria’s transitional leadership faces a severe economic crisis. Years of conflict have resulted in nine out of ten Syrians living in poverty, with the nation still enduring harsh international sanctions imposed during Assad’s era. Sharaa’s administration has prioritized the removal of these sanctions, seeing it as crucial for economic recovery and securing legitimacy internationally.
Beyond the immediate security threats, Syria’s transitional government is contending with a dire economic situation. Years of war have left nine out of ten Syrians living in poverty, and the country remains under crippling international sanctions imposed during Assad’s rule. Sharaa’s administration has made lifting these sanctions a priority, viewing it as essential to rebuilding the economy and gaining legitimacy on the global stage.
A Nation Fragmented
Even after Assad’s downfall, Syria is still a mosaic of rival factions and foreign influences. The transitional administration’s authority is far from comprehensive, as various groups dominate different regions of the nation. These factions, frequently supported by external powers with conflicting agendas, contribute an additional layer of intricacy to Syria’s delicate political environment.
For Sharaa, unifying the nation involves both gaining the people’s trust and overcoming the insurgent threat. His administration has urged former Assad security members to lay down arms and seek reconciliation, yet advancements have been sluggish. «We are monitoring everyone, but do not wish to give the impression of pursuing them,» stated a senior official in the transitional government. This careful strategy illustrates the delicate equilibrium the new leadership needs to maintain in their effort to restore order while avoiding the alienation of important population segments.
For Sharaa, the task of unifying the country is as much about earning the trust of its people as it is about overcoming the insurgent threat. His administration has called on former members of Assad’s security forces to surrender their weapons and accept reconciliation, but progress has been slow. “We are keeping an eye on everyone, but we don’t want to create the impression that we are hunting them down,” said a high-ranking official in the transitional government. This cautious approach reflects the delicate balance the new leadership must strike as it attempts to restore order without alienating key segments of the population.
The road ahead
Simultaneously, Syria’s leadership encounters increasing global scrutiny as they work to remove sanctions and gain the support necessary to reconstruct the nation. For the interim government, success will hinge on its capability to tackle the underlying causes of unrest, promote inclusivity, and show a sincere commitment to moving away from the authoritarian practices of the past.
At the same time, Syria’s leaders face mounting international scrutiny as they seek to lift sanctions and secure the support needed to rebuild the country. For the transitional government, success will depend on its ability to address the root causes of unrest, foster inclusivity, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to breaking from the authoritarian practices of the past.
As clashes continue and tensions rise, Syria’s future hangs in the balance. The coming months will be critical for Sharaa’s government as it works to consolidate power, restore security, and lay the foundation for a more stable and prosperous nation.
