Over 1,000 people have died in violent clashes in Syria over two days, with heavy casualties among civilians, government personnel, and Assad loyalists. Violence escalated with Sunni gunmen targeting Alawite communities, raising concerns of sectarian strife. International condemnation has followed, urging protection for Alawite citizens in the crisis.
In a tragic escalation of violence in Syria, over 1,000 fatalities have been reported in just two days, as confirmed by a war monitoring group. This surge of violence is attributed to confrontations between government forces and supporters of former President Bashar Assad, leading to one of the most lethal incidents in Syria’s ongoing conflict that has persisted for 14 years.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicated that among the deceased, 745 were civilians, largely killed at close range during the clashes, alongside 125 government security personnel and 148 militants affiliated with Assad. The conflict has severely affected Latakia province, resulting in widespread power outages and a lack of drinking water.
Violence erupted when security forces attempted to apprehend a wanted individual near Jableh but were ambushed by Assad loyalists. The situation worsened on Friday as attacks by Sunni Muslim gunmen, supporting the government, started targetting Alawite communities, who are loyal to Assad’s regime. This ongoing violence poses a significant challenge to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group that facilitated the overthrow of Assad.
Witness accounts from affected Alawite villages depict grim scenes, with reports of brutal killings. Ali Sheha, a resident of Baniyas, recounted, “Bodies were on the streets. The gunmen were less than 100 meters away, firing at homes and residents,” emphasizing the sectarian targeting as attackers verified identities before executing individuals.
In response to the violence, the Syrian government declared that it has regained control of the majority of territories previously seized by Assad supporters. France expressed strong condemnation of the violence against civilians based on religious affiliation, calling it an atrocity. Amidst the chaos, thousands of Alawites have sought refuge, with many finding safety at Russia’s Hmeimim airbase. Lebanese legislator Haidar Nasser urged the international community to offer protection to the Alawite population as loyal citizens of Syria.
The recent violence in Syria has resulted in more than 1,000 deaths, significantly affecting the nation’s civilian population and exacerbating sectarian tensions. The targeting of specific communities highlights the brutal nature of these clashes. As international condemnation grows, there are calls for protection for vulnerable groups amidst the ongoing conflict. The situation remains critical and the need for humanitarian intervention is pressing.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
