Over 1,000 people have died in two days of clashes in Syria, primarily due to violence between government forces and supporters of former President Assad. The conflict has seen significant retaliation against the Alawite community, prompting international condemnation and fears for civilian safety.
In Syria, over 1,000 individuals have died within just two days of violence, signaling one of the deadliest escalations in the country’s 14-year conflict. Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicate that clashes stemmed from government forces confronting supporters of former President Bashar Assad, leading to widespread revenge killings.Syrian Observatory data reveals that of the deceased, 745 were civilians killed mostly at close range, in addition to 125 government security personnel and 148 militants affiliated with Assad. The violence has resulted in significant interruptions in vital services, leaving many in Latakia province without electricity and drinking water. The unrest began when security forces attempted to detain a wanted suspect near Jableh, only to face an ambush by loyalists.
Following the initial confrontations, retaliation intensified, particularly as Sunni gunmen targeted Alawite communities, Assad’s minority sect. Reports of brutal killings have surfaced from Alawite villages, with a resident, Ali Sheha, describing bodies in the streets and gunmen firing at homes. Sheha stated that attackers verified victims’ sects before executing them.
In an attempt to regain control amidst the violence, the Syrian government announced it has secured most areas previously held by Assad loyalists. International reactions have been swift; France’s foreign ministry condemned the atrocities against civilians, emphasizing that such attacks are intolerable. As violence persists, many Alawites have fled their homes, seeking refuge at Russia’s Hmeimim airbase, prompting calls for international protection. Lebanese legislator Haidar Nasser urged global intervention to safeguard Syrian Alawites who remain loyal citizens.
The recent escalation of violence in Syria has resulted in more than 1,000 fatalities, primarily due to clashes between government forces and Assad loyalists. The horrific scale of revenge killings, particularly against the Alawite community, has drawn significant international condemnation and raised concerns over the safety of vulnerable populations in the region. As the situation evolves, calls for protection from the international community are becoming increasingly urgent.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
