Gunfire heard in Armenian-populated areas of Syria – Gandzasar weekly editor-in-chief on ongoing clashes

Clashes between Alawites, supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad, and armed groups of the new authorities continue in Syria.

Gunfire has also been heard in Armenian-populated areas, where residents remain cautious and stay indoors, waiting for the situation to stabilize, editor of Aleppo's Gandzasar weekly, Zarmik Poghikyan, told Armenpress, providing details about the ongoing armed clashes between the country's security forces and groups loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad in Syria’s Latakia province.

Poghikyan noted that armed clashes are occurring not only in the coastal suburbs but also in the capital, Damascus.

"Last week, clashes took place in the Jaramana district of Damascus. This is a consequence of a lack of dialogue and a failure to maintain order, leading, unfortunately, to casualties among government forces, militants, and even ordinary citizens," said Poghikyan.

She added that gunfire has also been heard in Armenian-populated areas. "People are being cautious and staying home until the situation calms down. Security forces in the region have declared a curfew, waiting for stability to be restored," Poghikyan noted.

According to her, the Syrian people are exhausted by ongoing violence and military conflict. She emphasized that the only path to a solution is through dialogue and justice.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at normalizing Syria’s relations with various countries. The next step is to strengthen internal peace through dialogue," Poghikyan concluded.