Syria Ends Operation Against Assad Loyalists After Deadly Violence

Syria’s defence ministry has announced the completion of a military operation in the country’s western coastal region, following days of intense violence that left hundreds dead. The operation targeted loyalists of former president Bashar al-Assad in Latakia and Tartous provinces, with security forces claiming to have “neutralized” threats and restored stability. However, the violence has sparked widespread condemnation, with reports of revenge killings, ethnic targeting, and mass casualties.

Operation Details and Casualties

The defence ministry stated that the operation aimed to dismantle security cells and remnants of the former regime in key towns, including al-Mukhtareyah, al-Mazairaa, and Qadmous. According to spokesman Hassan Abdul Ghani, the mission achieved its objectives, paving the way for normalcy to return. Public institutions in the region are now resuming operations, and security forces are working to reinforce stability.

However, the human cost of the operation has been staggering. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, reported that over 1,400 people have been killed since Thursday, including 973 civilians. The violence has been described as one of the deadliest episodes since the overthrow of Assad in December, which ended a 13-year civil war that claimed over 600,000 lives and displaced 12 million people.

Sectarian Violence and Revenge Killings

The recent violence has been marked by sectarian tensions, with gunmen loyal to the Sunni Islamist-led government accused of targeting members of Assad’s minority Alawite sect. The Alawite community, which forms the backbone of the former regime, has faced brutal reprisals following a deadly ambush on a security patrol in Jableh last week.

Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating online depict horrifying scenes of mass killings and looting. In al-Mukhtareyah, the bodies of at least two dozen men were found piled in a houseyard. Residents in Baniyas reported that armed groups, including Chechen fighters loyal to the government, carried out door-to-door searches, kidnapping and killing Alawite families.

One Alawite woman from Baniyas told the BBC, “They killed innocent people in cold blood who had nothing to do with any of this.” Another resident described how a relative was abducted by gunmen from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group, after they stormed his home.

Government Response and Investigations

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to establish an independent committee to investigate the killings and hold perpetrators accountable. Defence ministry spokesman Abdul Ghani assured that security forces would cooperate fully with the investigation to uncover the truth and deliver justice.

The government launched the operation in response to a growing insurgency by Assad loyalists in Latakia province, the heartland of the Alawite sect. The region has been a flashpoint for violence, with security forces and pro-government fighters clashing with remnants of the former regime.

International Concerns and Calls for Accountability

The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, has expressed grave concern over the reports of mass killings and ethnic cleansing. He highlighted “extremely disturbing reports of entire families, including women, children, and hors de combat fighters, being killed.” Türk called on Syria’s interim authorities to take swift action to protect civilians and ensure accountability for the atrocities.

The discovery of a mass grave containing the bodies of security personnel in Qardaha, Assad’s hometown, has further fueled tensions. Turkey-based Syria TV reported that Assad loyalists buried police officers killed in recent fighting at the site.

The Road Ahead

While the defence ministry claims to have restored security, the scars of this violence run deep. The Alawite community, already marginalized, now faces heightened fear and uncertainty. Many residents in Baniyas and other towns remain in hiding, too afraid to venture outside.

The interim government’s ability to address sectarian divisions and deliver justice will be critical in determining Syria’s future. As the country struggles to recover from years of war, the recent violence underscores the fragile nature of its peace and the urgent need for reconciliation.

Conclusion

Syria’s military operation against Assad loyalists may have ended, but the aftermath of the violence leaves a trail of devastation. With hundreds dead, communities torn apart, and international scrutiny mounting, the path to stability remains fraught with challenges. The world watches as Syria grapples with the legacy of its past and the daunting task of building a more inclusive and peaceful future.