Syria’s Islamist-led government claimed to have completed a military operation against a growing insurgency involving loyalists of Bashar al-Assad, as it faced international pressure to take responsibility for the deaths of hundreds of civilians.
The violence, centered in Syria’s coastal region, represents a major challenge for interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took office in December. Reports indicate that hundreds of civilians were killed in Alawite villages as government forces sought to quash a rebellion by members of Assad’s minority Alawite sect.
Sharaa, formerly an al-Qaeda leader who severed ties with the group in 2016, accused Assad regime loyalists of attempting to drag Syria back into civil war. He announced the formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate the violence and vowed to hold those responsible for civilian deaths accountable, including his own allies if necessary.
In an interview with Reuters, Sharaa expressed concern that mass killings of Alawites threatened his efforts to reunify Syria and emphasized his commitment to punishing those behind the atrocities.
The violence has strained Sharaa’s authority, as his government struggles with multiple challenges, including U.S. sanctions and securing international support for efforts to rebuild Syria after 14 years of conflict.
Germany condemned the reported civilian and prisoner killings, with the German foreign ministry calling for immediate action. “We urgently call upon all sides to put an end to the violence,” a spokesperson stated, adding that the transitional government had a responsibility to prevent further attacks, investigate the incidents, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Violence escalated on Thursday when government forces reported an organized assault by Assad loyalists in the coastal region. As government reinforcements arrived, mosques in territories loyal to the new administration urged jihad to support security forces.
By Friday, reports emerged of widespread civilian killings in Alawite towns and villages, reportedly in retaliation for the attacks. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based group, reported that by Sunday evening, 973 civilians had been killed in sectarian reprisals carried out by government forces or allied fighters. The toll also included more than 250 Alawite fighters and over 230 government security personnel. Reuters has not been able to independently verify these figures.
Israel Calls for Protection of Minorities
After declaring an end to the military operation, Defence Ministry spokesperson Hassan Abdul Ghany announced that government forces had “neutralized” Assad regime remnants in seven locations and that security forces would cooperate with the ongoing investigation. “We are paving the way for life to return to normal and ensuring security and stability,” Ghany stated in comments carried by state media.
The government also vowed to continue efforts to combat former regime loyalists and address any future threats.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the violence, asserting that Syria’s new leaders remained “jihadists,” despite some of them now appearing in suits. “It is essential that Syria draws conclusions from these events and explores ways to protect minorities,” he stated during a political party meeting.
Reuters previously reported that Israel has been lobbying the U.S. to maintain Syria’s weakness and decentralize the country, including allowing Russia to maintain its military presence to counter Turkey’s growing influence in Syria.
Russia, which supported Assad militarily during the civil war and still operates two military bases in Syria, confirmed it is coordinating with the U.S. in response to the escalating violence, according to TASS news agency, citing Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia.
