Syria in turmoil: Over 600 killed as violence escalates

Syria has witnessed one of its deadliest episodes of violence since the fall of the Assad regime, with over 600 people killed in two days of intense clashes between government security forces and fighters loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

The violence erupted on Thursday when armed men loyal to Bashar al-Assad killed 16 Syrian security personnel in the former president's stronghold on the Mediterranean coast, a war monitor reported. The clashes have not only resulted in heavy casualties but have also triggered sectarian revenge killings, deepening the crisis in the war-torn nation.

Read more: Assad loyalists kill 16 security personnel in Syria clashes

Sectarian retribution killings

Tensions have boiled over into targeted revenge killings, particularly affecting Syria’s Alawite minority, a Shiite sect that formed the backbone of Assad’s rule. Sunni Muslim gunmen loyal to the new government have carried out attacks against Alawite communities, leading to hundreds of deaths.

Witnesses from Syria’s coastal region, speaking anonymously to Reuters due to security concerns, described how gunmen executed Alawites in the streets and looted their homes before setting them ablaze. Thousands have reportedly fled to nearby mountains for safety.

One of the worst-hit towns is Baniyas, where residents reported bodies left unburied in the streets and on rooftops, as gunmen prevented their retrieval. In another village, Tuwaym, 31 victims—including nine children and four women—were buried in a mass grave on Saturday morning, according to Euronews.

The Syrian Observatory reports that among the over 600 fatalities, 428 were Alawites killed in revenge attacks, 120 were pro-Assad fighters, and 89 were members of security forces. The Observatory’s chief, Rami Abdurrahman, described the massacre as "one of the largest in the Syrian conflict."

Government’s response, security measures

Syria’s Defence Ministry announced that government forces have retaken control of most affected areas. The authorities have imposed road closures to the coastal region to "prevent violations and gradually restore stability."

Meanwhile, Lebanese lawmaker Haidar Nasser reported an influx of Syrian refugees, primarily Alawites, fleeing to northern Lebanon. Many have sought shelter at the Russian airbase in Hmeimim, fearing further attacks.

Crackdown on Assad loyalists

Syrian authorities have launched security operations targeting Assad’s remaining loyalists. The state news agency, SANA, reported the seizure of weapons and ammunition from pro-Assad hideouts in Latakia. Additionally, security forces have arrested numerous looters and recovered over 200 stolen vehicles.

The Interior Ministry has brokered agreements with local leaders in some regions, securing the surrender of wanted individuals and their weapons. Authorities have also intensified security patrols to prevent further violence.

Amid fears of escalating sectarian strife, Syria’s new leadership has pledged to prevent further retribution killings. President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed the nation on Friday, urging remaining pro-Assad militants to surrender. "You have attacked all Syrians, and you have committed an unforgivable crime. Surrender before it is too late," he warned.

Additionally, security forces have been ordered to crack down on "uncontrolled armed groups" accused of committing abuses against civilians. Authorities have emphasized that all individuals responsible for violence—whether from Assad’s loyalists or rogue elements within the new government—will be held accountable.