Over 1,000 people have died in recent clashes in Syria, primarily involving government forces and supporters of former President Assad. The violence includes widespread revenge killings, particularly aimed at Alawite communities. The Syrian government claims to have restored control, but international condemnation and humanitarian concerns grow as thousands flee seeking refuge.
In Syria, over 1,000 individuals have lost their lives in just two days of intense violence, according to a report from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. This tragic series of clashes, primarily involving government forces and supporters of former President Bashar Assad, has marked one of the most lethal moments in the ongoing 14-year conflict. The surge in violence has also led to widespread revenge killings among the population.
Among the casualties, reports indicate that 745 civilians were killed, many at close range, along with 125 members of the government security forces and 148 militants allied with Assad. The violence has caused significant infrastructural damage, cutting off electricity and drinking water in extensive areas of Latakia province.
The conflict ignited on a Thursday when security forces sought to apprehend a wanted individual near Jableh, only to be ambushed by loyalists supporting Assad. Following this initial confrontation, retaliatory violence escalated, particularly on Friday, where Sunni Muslim gunmen targeted Alawite communities—an alarming development considering the sect’s support for the Assad regime.
Witness accounts from those in Alawite villages reveal harrowing scenes. Ali Sheha, a resident from Baniyas, described how, “Bodies were on the streets. The gunmen were less than 100 metres away, firing at homes and residents.” He further recounted how attackers verified individuals’ sects by checking their IDs before committing their heinous acts.
In the aftermath, the Syrian government has asserted control, claiming to have recaptured most territories lost to Assad loyalists. In response, France has condemned the violence, calling it an atrocity against civilians based on religious affiliation. Additionally, many Alawites are fleeing their homes, seeking refuge at Russia’s Hmeimim airbase. A Lebanese legislator emphasized the need for international protection for the Alawites, urging, “The international community should protect Alawites, who are Syrian citizens loyal to their country.”
The devastating violence in Syria has resulted in over 1,000 fatalities within two days, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in the region. The conflict’s complex sectarian dynamics have exacerbated tensions, leading to grievous revenge killings and mass displacement of Alawite citizens. International condemnation underscores the urgency of addressing the situation, while the tragic reports of targeted aggression raise significant concerns for human rights and the stability of the already fragile nation.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
