Over 1,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in violence in Syria’s coastal areas amid clashes between security forces and pro-Assad fighters. The escalating violence has sparked international condemnation and raised humanitarian concerns, particularly for the Alawite community. Communication disruptions hinder families from reaching loved ones, while calls for accountability and investigations into the violence intensify.
The recent violence on the Syrian coast has claimed the lives of over 1,000 individuals, predominantly civilians, amid ongoing clashes between Syrian security forces and remnants linked to the ousted president Bashar al-Assad. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), casualties include 745 mostly Alawite civilians, in addition to 125 members of the government’s security forces and 148 pro-Assad fighters since Thursday. This escalation marks the deadliest violence since the regime’s fall in December, sparking severe humanitarian concerns as electricity and drinking water supply have been disrupted in large areas of rural Latakia.
Syria’s state news agency has reported that government forces have regained control over significant parts of the region from Assad loyalists, further stating that all access roads have been closed to curb violence and restore stability. An emergency committee has been established to monitor violations and ensure accountability among perpetrators. President Ahmad al Shara has called for the surrender of militias associated with the former regime, emphasizing the importance of national unity against violence.
International condemnation has followed the resurgence of violence, with the European Union denouncing attacks carried out by pro-Assad factions and calling for respect of Syria’s sovereignty. France has urged the Syrian authorities to conduct independent investigations into the recent atrocities and hold those responsible accountable for targeting civilians based on their beliefs.
The assault in Latakia initiated a surge of revenge killings, inciting fear within the Alawite community who feel targeted despite not all being supporters of the regime. These actions are a stark reminder of the sectarian tensions that linger post-regime change. Reports from the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) indicate that security forces have carried out numerous raids and extrajudicial executions in Latakia and surrounding regions, resulting in mounting civilian casualties, including graphic accounts of mass killings and humiliation.
Communication disruptions have left many families in distress, uncertain about the wellbeing of their loved ones amid the violence. One Alawite resident expressed profound concern over family members living in Baniyas and Jableh, as communication networks remain down, leaving them to speculate on their safety.
In summary, the recent violence in Syria highlights a significant resurgence of conflict, predominantly affecting civilians in the Alawite community during a period meant for stability following the regime’s fall. The international community has reacted with condemnation, emphasizing the necessity for accountability and investigations into the violence. The dire humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, raising alarms about the safety and wellbeing of those impacted by ongoing sectarian violence.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
