Over 4,700 Syrian civilians have been killed in 100 days following Bashar al-Assad’s ouster, with sectarian violence intensifying. The Syrian Observatory reported a total of 6,316 deaths across various provinces, highlighting substantial civilian and military casualties. The power vacuum has enabled armed groups to exploit the chaos, leading to increased violence and killings based on sectarian lines.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on March 18, 2024, that over 4,700 civilians have perished in the 100 days following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Sectarian violence has caused significant chaos in Syria, marked by at least 1,800 casualties due to such attacks. The monitoring organization detailed that a total of 6,316 fatalities occurred throughout various provinces, including 4,711 civilians, 345 women, and 194 children.
In addition to civilian casualties, military losses totaled 1,605. The report highlighted that 1,805 deaths resulted from field executions, driven by sectarian affiliations and associations with the previous regime. Notably, many of these executions took place in March, with pro-Assad militants targeting Interior and Defense Ministry checkpoints along the coast beginning on March 6.
The fall of al-Assad created a void in power, enabling armed groups and opportunists to exploit the prevailing instability. While the Islamist-led coalition, notably Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), initially maintained some degree of order, violence escalated significantly as of late February. Coordinated attacks by loyalists to Assad in the Alawite-majority regions prompted a fierce crackdown from security forces aligned with the new government in Damascus, leading to extrajudicial executions and revenge killings.
Historically, the Alawite minority, an offshoot of Shia Islam, has enjoyed favoritism during the Assad family’s rule, particularly in government and the military. This dynamic set the stage for ongoing tensions amidst the war-torn nation’s transition.
In summary, the aftermath of President Bashar al-Assad’s removal has led to catastrophic civilian casualties and intensified sectarian violence, with the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reporting over 4,700 civilian deaths in just 100 days. The subsequent power vacuum has allowed militias to exploit the situation, resulting in widespread execution and retaliation against perceived adversaries. The fragile balance maintained by the Islamist coalition has rapidly deteriorated, suggesting a grim outlook for Syria’s stability.
Original Source: efe.com
