Syria’s leader Ahmed Sharaa has urged for peace after intense clashes left over 1,000 people dead, including hundreds of civilians from the Alawite minority.
Fighting erupted between government forces and Assad loyalists in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, areas once loyal to the former regime.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported 745 civilian deaths in what it described as 30 “massacres” targeting Alawites. “The situation is worsening,” the group said.
The total death toll includes 125 fighters linked to the Islamist-led government and 148 pro-Assad fighters. Reuters reported that sources in Syria’s government claim at least 200 fighters have died.
Civilians Flee as Violence Spreads
Hundreds of civilians have fled their homes along the Mediterranean coast. Many sought refuge at Russia’s military base in Latakia. Reuters released video footage showing people outside the base chanting, “people want Russian protection.” Others have crossed into neighboring Lebanon.
On Sunday, Sharaa spoke from a Damascus mosque, acknowledging the country’s “expected challenges” but not directly addressing reports of massacres. “We must preserve national unity and civil peace as much as possible and… we will be able to live together in this country,” he said.
Reports suggest that the violence began Thursday after ambushes on government forces. A Syrian defense ministry spokesperson called them “treacherous attacks.” Since then, clashes have escalated, with battles breaking out at a gas power plant in Banias.
The Alawite community, an offshoot of Shia Islam making up 10% of Syria’s population, remains fearful. “People are in a state of horror,” an activist in Latakia said. The provinces of Latakia and Tartus were strongholds of deposed leader Bashar al-Assad, an Alawite himself. Assad was removed from power last December after 14 years of civil war and decades of family rule.
Global Concerns Over Rising Death Toll
The United Nations special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said he was “deeply alarmed” by the rising civilian deaths. “All sides must avoid actions that could further destabilize the country and jeopardize a credible political transition,” he urged.
Iran, which supported Assad’s regime, has also expressed concern. Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, described the killings in Latakia and Tartus as “systematic” and “extremely dangerous.” He criticized Syria’s new government for failing to control the situation. “The scale of violence now unfolding is unprecedented and deeply troubling,” he added.
With fighting spreading and international concern growing, Syria’s path to peace remains uncertain. The coming weeks will be key in determining whether Sharaa’s government can regain stability or if the country will descend further into conflict.
Like 👍, Comment, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
Feel free to download and share our Daily Newsletter for Saturday, March 10, 2025. 👇
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
