‘Revenge’ Killings and Clashes Claim 1,000+ Lives in Syria’s Deadliest Surge:

In one of the deadliest episodes of Syria's 14-year conflict, more than 1,000 individuals have been killed following two days of intense clashes between Syrian security forces and loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, accompanied by subsequent revenge killings.

Casualties and Violence

Civilians: Approximately 745 civilians have been killed, many in close-range shootings.

Security Personnel: 125 government security personnel have lost their lives.

Assad Loyalists: 148 militants linked to Assad's armed factions have been killed.

The violence erupted on Thursday in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, areas with significant Alawite populations, a sect that largely supported Assad during his rule.

Revenge Killings and Sectarian Tensions

The unrest escalated into revenge killings starting Friday, with Sunni Muslim gunmen loyal to the government targeting members of Assad’s Alawite minority sect. Residents of Alawite villages reported horrific scenes of gunmen executing Alawites—mostly men—in streets or at their homes' entrances. Homes were looted and set ablaze across Syria’s coastal region, forcing thousands to flee to nearby mountains for safety.

Government Response and International Reactions

The Syrian government has attributed the violence to attacks by remnants of Assad’s forces, with officials blaming "individual actions" for the widespread chaos. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa condemned the atrocities and emphasized the importance of national unity.

France has expressed "deep concern" over the violence, condemning atrocities against civilians and prisoners based on religion, and has called on Syria's interim authorities to ensure independent investigations into these crimes.

Ongoing Clashes and Humanitarian Impact

Despite government efforts to regain control, clashes continue in various regions, with reports of mass killings and displacement. The violence has disrupted basic services like electricity and water, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The international community has urged the new government to protect all citizens and implement justice to prevent further cycles of violence.