Latakia

French warship makes first-ever call at Syrian port as Paris and Damascus deepen military ties

Syrian and French naval officials met aboard the frigate Surcouf in Latakia to discuss expanding maritime cooperation, Syria’s Defense Ministry said.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
The French Navy’s defense and intervention frigate (FDI) Amiral Louzeau during its launching ceremony at the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient, western France, May 19, 2026.
Members of the Syrian Security forces stand guard near military vehicles on the day people from the Alawite sect protest as they demand federalism and an end to what they say is the killing and violations against Alawites, in Latakia, Syria, December 28, 2025.

Syrian security forces impose curfew in Latakia following deadly protests, violence

Security forces reinforced their deployment in a number of neighborhoods in Latakia city on the Mediterranean coast, which witnessed riots on Monday that injured about a dozen people.

|ByREUTERS
People from the Alawite sect protest as they demand federalism and an end to what they say is the killing and violations against Alawites, in Latakia, Syria, December 28, 2025

Three killed as Alawite protest in Syria’s Latakia turns violent

Three people were killed and more than 40 were wounded after gunfire erupted during an Alawite protest in Syria’s Latakia province, as demonstrators called for federalism and prisoner releases.

|ByREUTERS
Archaeological excavations.

Excavations resume at ancient Ugarit near Latakia after 14-year pause

Ugarit is famous for its vast archive of clay tablets inscribed in seven languages, considered among the oldest records of bronze age political and social life.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

What does Russia’s condemnation of the Syria strike mean for Israel?

Russia has blamed Israel for air strikes in Syria in the past.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2018BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Russian Air Force Ilyushin Il-20M

Russia to Israel: you are wholly to blame for the downing of the plane

Russia furious after Israel gave it minute warning before Latakia strike.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2018BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Russian President Vladimir Putin (C), Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (R) and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad visit the Hmeymim air base in Latakia Province, Syria December 11, 2017

Explosions rock Latakia hours after Russia-Turkey agree on Idlib buffer

A Syrian military official told the Syrian Arab News Agency that missiles were fired from the Mediterranean sea towards the port city, but were intercepted and downed by air defense.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2018BySETH J. FRANTZMAN, REUTERS, HADAS LABRISCH
Missile fire is seen from Damascus, Syria

Assad hanging on, suspicion surrounds report he told Alawites to flee capital

According to the Jeddah-based 'Okaz' daily newspaper, Syria's Intelligence services have alerted various Alawite families to arrive in Latakia within 48 hours.

MAY 3, 2015ByARIEL BEN SOLOMON
Ahrar al-Sham Islamic rebel fighters stand beside tanks left behind by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad, in Idlib.