Shafaqna English- For several weeks now, Syria’s coastal region has seen a significant increase in individual and family migration to Lebanon and Iraq, particularly after the bloody events that unfolded in the area last March.
According to Shafaqna, citing Al-Furat, the recent migration wave is driven by several factors, the most notable being the worsening economic conditions after the dismissal of government employees, as well as former army personnel and officers. As a result, the residents of Syria’s coastal region have been hit the hardest by the decision to expel government workers.
According to figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 21,000 Syrians migrated to Lebanon in March, the majority of whom were from the coastal region. Additionally, the Disaster and Crisis Management Room in Akkar, Lebanon, reported that 12,798 Syrians entered the area during this period and were settled in 23 towns.
Many residents of Syria’s coastal region depended on government jobs, with many employed in the former army or security apparatus prior to its dissolution. However, the recent security incidents, combined with looting and violence against civilians, led to widespread loss of property and further deterioration of living conditions.
The primary route to Iraq runs between Homs and the Al-Yaaroubiya crossing, through the Hasakah governorate. Some migrants also use illegal routes, while others—despite strict visa requirements in certain countries—rely on official documentation to leave Syria.
On March 6, the Syrian coast witnessed a series of bloody events that lasted for several days. Coastal towns and villages were subjected to attacks on civilians, as well as widespread looting and the burning of property.
The Syrian Human Rights Network reported that at least 889 people, including 51 children and 63 women, were killed during these events, at the hands of armed forces loyal to the government of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, led by Al-Jolani.