Nelly Ghoulyan, spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of Armenia, addressed the situation arising from recent clashes in Syria, stating that evacuation of Syrian Armenians is not currently being considered due to security conditions.
“Our compatriots in Syria have not raised the issue of evacuation; however, we are in constant contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, and evacuation can be carried out if necessary,” Ghoulyan assured, as reported by Sputnik Armenia.
The situation in Latakia is currently more stable, but locals remain cautious. According to Zarmik Pogikian, editor-in-chief of Aleppo's "Gandzasar" weekly, authorities are discussing the reopening of schools and the restoration of normal life, with further steps to be clarified in the coming days.
“There is no immediate danger in Armenian neighborhoods, although gunfire can still be heard. The entire population of Latakia, including Armenians, is concerned due to recent disturbances in the city, primarily occurring in rural areas and suburbs,” Pogikian noted.
She also mentioned that, for security reasons, authorities have imposed strict controls in Latakia, conducting searches and street checks to prevent further unrest.
*In recent days, clashes have continued in Syria, resulting in casualties among Alawites and Christians. According to the Lebanese newspaper "Al Nahar," the death toll from clashes between security forces of the new authorities and rebel Alawites has reached a thousand, though this figure is not definitively confirmed. Reports indicate that Armenians are also among the deceased. Confirmed data shows that on March 7, Antuan and Fadi Putros, an Armenian father and son, were killed near the entrance to Latakia.*
