The Syrian Defence Ministry announced the completion of military actions aimed at eradicating loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad, claiming to restore order in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartous. However, human rights observers report significant civilian deaths and allegations of retaliatory violence against the Alawite community.
Renewed Violence in Syria: Government Claims Mission Accomplished Amidst Ethnic Cleansing Accusations
Renewed Violence in Syria: Government Claims Mission Accomplished Amidst Ethnic Cleansing Accusations
Following intense military operations in western coastal regions, Syria's government claims the neutralization of Assad loyalists, while monitoring groups report extensive civilian casualties and ethnic violence.
Syria's Defence Ministry has declared the conclusion of a military operation in the western coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartous, amidst a wave of violence that has resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 individuals, according to monitoring organizations. The ministry stated that security forces had successfully "neutralized" loyalists of former president Bashar al-Assad in various towns, asserting that public institutions could now resume normal operations and stability was being restored.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa underscored the need for accountability, announcing the formation of an independent committee to investigate the killings attributed to gunmen aligned with the Islamist-led government, following a deadly ambush on a security patrol. Notably, the violence marks an alarming resurgence in unrest since the removal of Assad in December, a pivotal moment in Syria's protracted civil war.
The defence ministry's spokesperson, Hassan Abdul Ghani, proclaimed that the operation's objectives had been realized, enabling forces to secure regions after combating remnants of the former regime. The announcement came after a surge of insurgency from Assad loyalists, predominantly concentrated in areas inhabited by the Alawite sect, from which many members of the previous regime hailed.
Reports indicate that retaliatory violence against the Alawite community has escalated, with accusations of revenge killings and looting following confrontations with security forces. Eyewitness accounts describe harrowing scenes, including civilians killed outright and entire families being targeted in waves of violence.
Alawite residents recounted enduring terror, suggesting that armed groups loyal to the interim administration were systematically hunting Alawite individuals, leading to numerous kidnappings and summary executions. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights detailed a grim tally of civilian casualties, noting that amidst the reported fatalities were not only civilians but also members of security forces and pro-Assad fighters.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk condemned the reports of ethnic cleansing, highlighting the grave risk to families and emphasizing the urgent need for the interim government to safeguard civilians and hold accountable those responsible for serious human rights violations.
As the situation in Syria remains precarious, the call for justice and accountability echoes amidst an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, raising questions about the future of stability in a nation still reeling from the ramifications of years of violent conflict.
