Syria: Death toll rises to 229 in violent executions of civilians in Latakia Province

Intense clashes between Syrian forces and loyalists of the former regime of Bashar al-Assad. Among the victims are numerous Alawite civilians, including women and children

The death toll rose to 229 in the violence that broke out yesterday in Syria, with particular intensity in the province of Latakia, a stronghold of the former regime of Bashar al-Assad. The summary executions mainly affected the Alawite community, which supports the deposed president. According to the director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel Rahmane, ‘134 Alawite civilians, including 13 women and five children, were executed by security forces’.

The executions were carried out by members of the Syrian security forces and foreigners, who went to the homes of Alawites, mainly in the town of Banyas. The situation has led to civilian deaths in an escalation involving not only local elements, but also forces outside Syria.

Operations of the Syrian Forces and International Interventions

The Syrian Defence Ministry announced targeted operations against former regime loyalists, accused of treason, in the city of Qardaha, the hometown of former President Assad. These operations, coordinated with the general security forces, aim to counter the resistance still present in the strongholds of the former regime.

The UN special envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed concern about the ongoing clashes in the coastal area of Latakia between forces of the Syrian Interim Authority and elements loyal to the deposed regime. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights recorded at least 124 deaths between yesterday and today, including 52 Alawite men who were executed.

Calls for De-Escalation: The International Reaction

Russia expressed great concern about the escalating violence in Syria, calling on all Syrian leaders to immediately stop the slaughter. Moscow reiterated its support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called for a quick return to stability.

Iran also strongly condemned the killing of Syrian civilians, expressing its opposition to the ongoing insecurity and violence in the country. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, emphasised that the violence and the killing of innocents are contributing to further destabilising the region.

The conflict in Syria continues to sow death and instability, with violence involving civilians and external actors. Violent summary executions and factional clashes show that the road to peace still remains far.

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