Damascus: Syria’s interim leader has urged unity as revenge killings and violence continue in areas once loyal to Bashar al-Assad.
Hundreds of people have fled Latakia and Tartus, strongholds of the former regime, fearing attacks and widespread retaliatory violence.
Residents in Hai Al Kusour, a predominantly Alawite area, reported mass killings, including children, with bodies scattered on the streets.
Eyewitnesses described men of all ages shot dead, with homes looted as armed groups continued their attacks in the coastal cities.
Internet connections remain unstable, but news of neighbours being killed spreads rapidly through social media updates and online posts.
Hundreds Killed
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has recorded over 740 civilian deaths in Latakia, Jableh, and Banias due to ongoing attacks.
Additionally, 300 security personnel and remnants of Assad’s regime were reportedly killed during clashes with various armed groups.
Syria’s majority Sunni population has faced years of persecution under the Assad regime, fueling deep-seated sectarian tensions.
Alawite security officials were accused of torturing and killing thousands of Sunnis during Assad’s 13-year rule, human rights groups say.
As a result, some within the Sunni community are now calling for retaliation against the Alawite minority and its former enforcers.
Call for Calm
Sharaa, the Islamist leader who overthrew Assad three months ago, has appealed for peace and stability to prevent further bloodshed.
Although he commands some military forces, many armed factions operate independently, pursuing their own violent agendas.
Among these groups are foreign fighters with radical ideologies, posing an additional challenge to Syria’s new leadership.
For Syria to transition towards democracy and stability, experts say foreign fighters must be expelled, and all groups must disarm.
Sharaa faces pressure to draft a constitution that guarantees equal rights for all Syrians, regardless of religious or ethnic backgrounds.
Future Challenges
While efforts are being made towards a legal framework, controlling extremist factions remains a significant obstacle for the new government.
Sectarian tensions continue to rise, with some factions seeking revenge instead of reconciliation, leading to increased instability.
The international community urges Sharaa to restore order and prevent further sectarian violence from spiraling out of control.
If foreign fighters are not removed from Syria, many fear prolonged civil unrest and extremist influence will destabilize the country.
For now, the situation remains volatile, and the future of Syria hangs in the balance as violence continues to spread.
