1,000+ Dead in Clashes Between Syrian Forces and Assad Loyalists

The observatory reported that at least 745 civilians were killed in the violence, mostly in close-range shootings. Additionally, 125 government security forces and 148 fighters from groups loyal to Assad were killed. Large parts of the coastal city of Latakia were left without electricity and drinking water due to the unrest.

The clashes began on Thursday and marked a significant escalation in the challenge to the new government in Damascus, which emerged after Assad’s ousting by insurgents three months ago. Syrian authorities have stated they were responding to attacks from remnants of Assad’s forces, blaming "individual actions" for the widespread violence.

Revenge Killings Spark Sectarian Violence

The violence was further compounded on Friday by brutal revenge killings carried out by Sunni Muslim gunmen loyal to the new government, targeting members of the Alawite sect, which formed a significant portion of Assad’s support base. According to eyewitnesses in the coastal region, gunmen shot Alawites, mostly men, in the streets and outside their homes. Many Alawite homes were looted and set on fire, leading thousands to flee to the surrounding mountains for safety.

Residents of the town of Baniyas, one of the hardest-hit areas, described harrowing scenes of bodies strewn across streets and left uncollected in homes and on rooftops. One resident told the Associated Press that gunmen prevented them from retrieving the bodies of their neighbors for hours. Ali Sheha, a 57-year-old resident of Baniyas who fled with his family, reported that at least 20 of his neighbors were killed in their homes and shops. Sheha described the attacks as “revenge killings,” carried out in response to the atrocities committed by Assad’s government during the civil war.

“It was very, very bad. Bodies were on the streets,” Sheha said, recounting the terrifying moments as he fled. He added that the gunmen checked residents' IDs to confirm their sect before executing them and that many homes were looted, cars were stolen, and several homes were burned down.

Death Toll Mounts

The Syrian Observatory’s Rami Abdurrahman called the attacks “one of the biggest massacres in the Syrian conflict.” While no official figures have been released, the number of confirmed deaths has continued to rise. On Saturday, a funeral was held in the village of Al-Janoudiya for four security force members killed in the clashes.

Government Forces Regain Control

Syrian state news reported that government forces had regained control of most of the areas that had been seized by Assad loyalists, and authorities have blocked all roads leading to the coastal region in an effort to restore order. However, residents of Tuwaym, a village in central Syria, laid to rest 31 people killed in revenge attacks the previous day, including nine children and four women. Photos sent to the Associated Press showed bodies draped in white cloth, lined in a mass grave.

Lebanese lawmaker Haidar Nasser, who represents the Alawite community in Lebanon’s parliament, confirmed that many Alawites are fleeing to Lebanon for safety. While he did not provide exact numbers, Nasser stated that many Alawites are sheltering at the Russian airbase in Hmeimim and emphasized the international community’s responsibility to protect Alawites who remain loyal to Syria. He added that many Alawites had lost their jobs and some had been killed after reconciling with the new authorities.

International Reactions

France expressed deep concern over the recent violence, condemning the sectarian attacks against civilians and prisoners. In a statement, France’s foreign ministry called for independent investigations into the atrocities, urging Syrian authorities to fully uncover the extent of the violence.

The violence erupted after a government attempt to detain a wanted person near the coastal city of Jableh was ambushed by Assad loyalists. The incident triggered the widespread violence that has shaken the region.

As tensions between Syria’s sectarian groups escalate, the international community remains concerned about the deepening crisis and the humanitarian toll on civilians caught in the crossfire.