Report on White Helmets Response in Latakia and Tartous Over 72 Hours
Since the afternoon of Thursday, March 6, White Helmets teams have been responding to the escalating crisis in Latakia and Tartous. Our teams have been responding to distress calls, extinguishing fires, providing emergency medical aid, evacuating civilians, recovering victims’ bodies, and delivering life-saving services despite the challenges of operating in an active conflict zone.
This report details our operations from the evening of March 6 to the evening of March 8. The information provided covers only the response efforts of The White Helmets.
Firefighting
Our teams responded to 20 fires in Latakia, Jableh, Baniyas, and Tartous, affecting homes, shops, vehicles, and fuel stations. However, road closures due to ongoing clashes prevented us from reaching wildfires.
Emergency Medical Response
Emergency teams treated and transported over 40 injured civilians from homes, roads, and conflict areas to hospitals in the four cities. Critical cases were transferred to Jisr al-Shughour, Idlib, and its countryside as per hospital referrals.
Recovery of Victims' Bodies
On March 8, specialized teams recovered 22 bodies, including families, from Baniyas. The documented number includes only those recovered and officially recorded by The White Helmets, in coordination with local authorities.
Following standard procedures, the bodies were transferred to Baniyas National Hospital for forensic identification before being handed over to their families. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent also carried out body recovery efforts.
Civilian Evacuations
We evacuated 12 families within Baniyas to safer neighborhoods upon request, as well as two families in Latakia to locations of their choosing.
Essential Services (Water Supply for Hospitals and Bakeries)
With water services disrupted, our teams provided 100 barrels of drinking and utility water daily to key facilities, including:
Latakia National Hospital
Latakia University Hospital
Latakia Children's & Maternity Hospital
Baniyas National Hospital
Baniyas Shelter Center
Latakia Reserve Bakery
Tishreen Bakery in Latakia
Commitment to Humanitarian Duty
The White Helmets remains steadfast in its humanitarian mission despite the exceptional circumstances in Latakia and Tartous. Despite the risks, such as a direct attack on an ambulance that damaged the vehicle while the medical crew was carrying out their duties, our teams remain undeterred. In response to the escalating needs, we have deployed additional emergency medical, firefighting, and rescue teams to bolster our response and stand by civilians during this difficult time.
We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to saving lives and assisting communities with neutrality and without discrimination. Our dedication to alleviating the suffering of Syrians remains resolute, and we will continue to explore every possible avenue to provide support.
We honor all those who gave their lives in defense of Syria’s unity and the safety of its people. We stand in solidarity with civilians in conflict zones, extend our deepest condolences to the families of innocent victims, and stress the urgent need to uphold human rights. We also call for accountability for all those responsible for crimes and violations against Syrians over the past 14 years, including killings, torture, displacement, starvation, and the latest atrocities committed in Latakia and Tartous in recent days.
