Over 1,000 Killed in two days of clashes in Syria

Damascus

More than 1,000 people have died in two days of intense clashes between Syrian security forces and loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The fighting, primarily in the Latakia, Tartus, and Hama governorates, marks one of the deadliest episodes in Syria's ongoing 14-year conflict.

The SOHR reported that 745 civilians, including many from the Alawite religious minority, were killed, mostly in close-range shootings. In addition, 125 security force members and 148 Assad-aligned militants also lost their lives.

On Saturday, Syria’s interim government sent reinforcements to coastal cities to regain control of areas in Tartous and Latakia, which had been attacked by Assad supporters. Security forces reported regaining control of much of the territory, following coordinated assaults on military positions and checkpoints.

A curfew has been imposed in Latakia and surrounding coastal regions, which are home to Assad’s Alawite supporters. Amid the violence, many civilians and members of the former regime have sought refuge at the Russian Khmeimim base in Latakia.

In a rare public statement, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa urged fighters to surrender, warning them to lay down their weapons "before it is too late."