Over 1,000 individuals, mostly Alawite civilians, have died in clashes between Syrian security forces and remnants of the Assad regime. The violence erupted in Latakia province and has been described as the deadliest since the regime’s fall. Calls for militia surrender and international condemnations have followed these events, highlighting an urgent need for stability and accountability.
Recent clashes in Syria’s coastal region have resulted in over 1,000 fatalities, predominantly among civilians, as tensions escalate between security forces and remnants of the ousted Assad regime. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 745 of those killed were mainly Alawite civilians, along with 125 government and 148 pro-Assad fighters since the attack on security positions in Latakia. This surge in violence marks a significant challenge for the new Syrian administration, which had promised stability following 14 years of civil war.
In the wake of this violence, electricity and drinking water have been disrupted in rural Latakia, affecting communications. Syrian state news reported that government forces have regained control of most areas from Assad loyalists, with measures implemented to restore stability by closing roads. An emergency committee has been established to address violations of security directives and to hold accountable those responsible for these actions.
President Ahmad al-Shara publicly called on militias allied with Assad to surrender, labeling their actions against Syrians as “an unforgivable mistake.” The international community reacted strongly, with the EU condemning attacks against civilians and urging respect for Syria’s sovereignty. France’s foreign ministry also called for independent investigations into violence targeting civilians.
The coordinated assault by pro-Assad fighters has incited a wave of revenge killings against the Alawite community, inciting fears among civilians. An Alawite individual expressed despair, stating that safety is elusive for many who were not supporters of the regime. Reports from the Syrian Network for Human Rights further describe actions taken by security forces, indicating widespread targeting of civilians without differentiating between combatants and noncombatants.
Eyewitness accounts and graphic videos emerging from the region depict horrifying scenes of violence and extermination, though independent verification remains unconfirmed. Many residents, like a concerned Alawite from Damascus, find themselves disconnected from loved ones amid the collapse of communication networks, expressing uncertainty about the fate of friends and family caught in the chaos.
The recent outbreak of violence in Syria’s coastal areas, resulting in over 1,000 deaths, primarily among civilians, highlights the severe challenges facing the new administration following the Assad regime’s collapse. The call for militias to surrender and international condemnation of the attacks signify the urgent need for accountability and stability, while the threat of sectarian violence continues to loom ominously over the region. As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, communication breakdowns exacerbate the fears and uncertainties faced by the Alawite community and other civilians caught in conflict.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
