Armenian Authorities Monitor Humanitarian Crisis in Syria as Ongoing Clashes Continue to Impact Armenian Community
As the situation in Syria remains tense due to ongoing clashes, Armenian authorities in Yerevan are closely monitoring the safety of their diaspora in the region.
Nelly Ghulyan, spokeswoman for the Office of the Diaspora Commissioner, provided an update to The Armenian Report on Monday, March 10, regarding the state of the Armenian community in Syria. According to her statement, Armenian officials are in constant communication with their citizens, particularly in Latakia and Kessab.
"At the moment, the situation in Latakia and Kessab is relatively calm. Fortunately, we have not received new reports of Armenian casualties," Ghulyan stated. "We continue to urge our compatriots to follow safety precautions, remain indoors, and keep their essential documents with them."
She further emphasized that while relocation remains a challenge due to the ongoing violence, the Armenian government is prepared to assist those who seek to move to Armenia. "We are in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and community leaders to explore all possible ways of support," she added.
Ani Badalyan, spokeswoman for Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the ministry is actively following developments in Syria. "There are no Armenian citizens among the reported victims. Our Consul General in Aleppo is in direct contact with local authorities and community representatives," she told The Armenian Report. She also noted that the nature of requests submitted to the Armenian Consulate remains largely focused on routine consular matters.
Despite reassurances from Armenian officials, the recent violence has taken a toll on the Armenian community in Syria. On March 8, two Syrian-Armenians, Antoine and Fadi Boudros, were killed in the outskirts of Latakia as a result of the clashes. The conflict has claimed hundreds of lives, including civilians, as fierce battles rage.
The escalation of violence in the past weeks has forced Armenian community organizations in Latakia to take precautionary measures. On March 6, local organizations urged Armenians to remain indoors as security forces and armed groups engaged in deadly confrontations in coastal regions. The main port city of Latakia has witnessed intense clashes, leading to road closures, sporadic curfews, and growing concerns about civilian safety.
On March 10, Syria’s Ministry of Defense announced the conclusion of military operations against Assad loyalists in coastal areas. According to spokesperson Hassan Abdul Ghani, government forces successfully regained control over multiple locations, including the towns of al-Mukhtariyah, al-Mazaira’a, and al-Zobar in Latakia, as well as Dalia, Tanita, and Qadmous in Tartus. "The security threats have been neutralized, and we are now preparing for the return of normal life," Ghani declared in a statement.
However, reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) suggest that despite the official announcement, armed groups continue to commit acts of violence. In the town of Harisoun, looting and destruction of homes have been reported, while residents have called for urgent intervention by international organizations. A United Nations delegation has arrived in Banias to assess the situation.
The humanitarian situation in Syria’s coastal and mountainous regions is worsening as food shortages and lack of basic necessities take a toll on civilians. Despite claims of restored stability, military reinforcements continue to arrive from various provinces, indicating that the security situation remains fragile.
In recent days, Syrian security forces launched an extensive military campaign against Assad loyalists, deploying convoys from the Ministry of Defense and Interior Affairs. These operations led to the deaths of over 70 individuals, including soldiers, gunmen, and civilians. The clashes also saw targeted attacks on military checkpoints and strongholds, particularly in Latakia and Tartus.
Given the ongoing instability, the Armenian government faces a complex challenge in ensuring the safety of its diaspora in Syria. Although no immediate evacuation requests have been filed, officials remain on high alert for any potential emergencies.
"We stand ready to assist our compatriots in every possible way," Nelly Ghulyan affirmed. "The situation remains unpredictable, and we will continue to work closely with our foreign ministry and community leaders to safeguard Armenians in Syria."
