Intense Clashes Erupt in Syria Amid Reports of Civilian Massacres

Severe fighting has broken out in Syria as supporters of the ousted regime clash with the new authorities, raising alarm over the reported killings of civilians. The United Nations envoy, Geir Pedersen, has expressed significant concern regarding the escalating violence.

Recent reports indicate that hundreds have been killed or injured during the most severe unrest in Syria since the governmental transition three months ago. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, over 160 civilians, including women and children, reportedly fell victim to targeted executions carried out by fighters aligned with the new regime. Many of these victims belong to the Alawite minority, which has been historically linked to former President Bashar al-Assad.

Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed the nation on Friday, asserting that remnants of the previous administration are attempting to challenge the new governance through violent means. He commended the actions of the security forces while urging attackers to surrender their weapons, warning that those committing atrocities against civilians would face severe repercussions. Notably, he did not acknowledge the reports of mass killings during his address.

In an official statement, Pedersen called on all parties involved to refrain from actions that could exacerbate tensions and further destabilize Syria. He emphasized the need to protect civilians in accordance with international law, stressing the importance of preventing an escalation of conflict that could undermine a credible and inclusive political transition.

Rami Abdel-Rahman, the director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reported that massacres have targeted the Alawite community. Activists from Idlib accused armed supporters of the transitional government of defying orders from Damascus, while the state media alleged that individuals disguised as government troops were responsible for inciting violence to provoke a civil war.

For President al-Sharaa, these clashes represent a critical test of his leadership since assuming power. Intelligence chief Anas Khatab urged restraint among their forces and called for all combatants to submit to military authority and vacate their positions to restore order. The ongoing violence poses a significant challenge for al-Sharaa, who must navigate the delicate balance of addressing the threats posed by Assad's supporters while also maintaining the support of the Alawite community, who are concerned about their future safety.

Khatab has attributed the unrest to influential figures within the military and security apparatus loyal to the former president, claiming that they have initiated treacherous operations resulting in the deaths of numerous army and police personnel. Protests against armed supporters of al-Assad have erupted in various cities, including Damascus, where thousands have gathered to demand the cessation of violence.

Security forces have reportedly launched operations along the Mediterranean coast, the heartland of the Alawite minority, targeting remaining armed factions linked to the previous government. Heavy fighting has been reported in areas such as Jabla, located approximately 25 kilometers south of Latakia, the provincial capital. Security forces in Latakia managed to thwart an attack on a hospital, while curfews were imposed in both Latakia and Tartus.

In a strategic move, the transitional government deployed additional military units to the coastal region, utilizing artillery, tanks, and rocket launchers in their operations. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports at least 237 fatalities resulting from the ongoing violence.

President al-Assad ruled Syria for over two decades before fleeing to Russia following a rapid offensive led by the Islamist group HTS late last year. The new transitional government, led by al-Sharaa, is striving to re-establish security and revive the economy while promising to include all factions in a process of political renewal and to uphold human rights, hoping to facilitate the lifting of Western sanctions against Syria.