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A devastating four-day period in Syria has resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives amidst violent confrontations between military forces and supporters of the former president, Bashar al-Assad. The clashes erupted in the country’s western coastal region, marking a significant escalation of violence.
The turmoil was initiated by an ambush on a security patrol by loyalists of Assad, leading to chaos across multiple towns and cities along the coast. This wave of violence represents the most severe unrest the nation has faced since the conclusion of a prolonged 13-year conflict and the ousting of Assad’s regime only three months prior, following a successful offensive by anti-Assad forces led by the Sunni Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
We examine the current situation and developments surrounding these violent events.
What Triggered the Outbreak of Violence?
The violent occurrences began on a Thursday, following a surprise onslaught by gunmen of the Alawite community on a police unit near Latakia, a major port city. This initial attack rapidly escalated into broader confrontations throughout Syria’s coastal region.
These coordinated assaults significantly challenge the newly-installed government in Damascus, which has pledged to unify Syria after decades of authoritarian rule under the Assad dynasty.
During the ambush, the pro-Assad fighters gained the upper hand against government security forces and managed to seize Qardaha, Assad’s birthplace, prompting the government to dispatch reinforcements to regain control over the area.
The coastal cities primarily consist of members from the Alawite sect, which is an offshoot of Shia Islam and historically has been a staunch supporter of the Assad regime. However, many in this community argue that they too have endured hardships under the leadership of both Assad and his predecessor, Hafez al-Assad.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage emerging from the coast depicted scenes of destruction, including houses engulfed in flames and lifeless bodies strewn across the streets, as fear gripped local residents.
In response to the escalating crisis, the government deployed additional forces to cities like Latakia, Banias, Tartous, and Jableh in an effort to suppress what they characterized as a dangerous, calculated attack by remnants of Assad’s regime. On the following Monday, officials announced the conclusion of military operations in Latakia and Tartous.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim president, later acknowledged that certain armed groups had operated independently of the defense ministry.
Organizations such as the Syria Campaign and the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) reported that both state security forces and pro-Assad militias had been implicated in widespread executions and mass killings.
Who Were the Victims?
Efforts to curb sectarian sentiments were ultimately ineffective as the clashes resulted in numerous civilian casualties. From Thursday to Monday, approximately 779 individuals were reported killed, according to the SNHR.
The SNHR indicated that at least 383 fatalities occurred at the hands of pro-Assad forces. This number included 172 members of the General Security Forces and 211 civilians, although independent verification of these figures was not possible.
Meanwhile, government-aligned military factions, local armed groups, and general security forces accounted for at least 396 deaths, as per the SNHR. The organization mentioned that identifying civilians among the pro-Assad fighters proved notably difficult due to many wearing civilian attire.
The SNHR specified that its figures do not encompass combat-related deaths among loyalists, as these fatalities do not violate international law. Footage verified by a CBC News team showed personnel in Public Security Forces uniforms engaging unarmed civilians.
The United Nations human rights office revealed reports of entire families, including women and children, being killed amid targeted sectarian violence perpetrated by the army against Assadi supporters.
The Government’s Reaction
Defense Ministry spokesman Hassan Abdel Ghani stated that security forces have regained dominance over the region and would continue pursuing insurgency leaders. In response to the violence, four individuals were detained on allegations of serious crimes against civilians.
In an interview that took place the next day, Sharaa conveyed uncertainty about the involvement of Defense Ministry forces—including former rebels— in the reports of sectarian violence, emphasizing that the law would apply to everyone without exception.
He attributed the violence largely to pro-Assad factions backed by foreign powers but conceded that retaliatory acts had occurred in the aftermath.
Addressing the Syrian populace and the international community, Sharaa advocated for accountability regarding harm to civilians and mistreatment of prisoners, asserting that Syria would not descend into civil war.
A fact-finding committee was initiated to investigate these sectarian killings, with intentions to arrest and prosecute those responsible. The committee’s spokesperson, Yasser Farhan, confirmed that no one would be above the law, as they prepared to collect testimony and documents regarding the incidents.
Recent Developments and Community Response
In the aftermath of the violence, protests erupted in various regions of Syria.
Demonstrators gathered in Latakia on Tuesday to express their outrage over the mass killings, chanting for unity and urging the government to ensure their safety amid ongoing sectarian tensions.
The Syria Campaign issued a statement expressing condolences for those who lost family members in the horrific violence, highlighting that many were still unable to bury their loved ones because of lingering fears.
Since the formation of the interim government, Sharaa has expressed intentions to govern Iraq inclusively. Although perceptions of favoritism towards the Alawite community persist, there are ongoing calls among the populace for unity among all sects.
The UN refugee agency reported that over 6,000 Syrians have fled to northern Lebanon’s Akkar province in search of safety from the violence sweeping through coastal regions.
Source
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