Speaking to Middle East Eye, 20 eyewitnesses and relatives of victims confirmed that military raids are also still ongoing, often under the pretext of searching for looters or Assad loyalists. All witness accounts were given to MEE on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

Residents and local observers said the violence appears to be both random and systematic, carried out by armed factions with minimal interference from state authorities

In Sqoubin, a village in Latakia’s countryside, the son of a prominent Alawi cleric was gunned down while returning from work on 5 April. He was riding a motorcycle with two relatives when their path was reportedly blocked by armed men.

Middle East Eye has approached the Latakia governor's office for comment.

The following day, in al-Mawrid village near Baniyas, assailants launched an attack from a neighbouring village. A young man was shot, and a disabled child was beaten. Both remain in critical condition. Despite pleas for help, residents said General Security forces failed to intervene.