Smoke is rising in Latakia, Syria, as members of the Syrian forces battle an insurgency led by supporters of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad’s Alawite sect. The conflict, which began on March 7, has resulted in a death toll of 642 individuals, according to a monitoring group.
Eyewitnesses have reported execution-style killings allegedly carried out by government supporters, with video evidence showing mass graves. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) has attributed 315 deaths to non-state armed groups loyal to Assad, including both security forces and civilians. Government forces and affiliated groups are said to be responsible for the deaths of at least 327 individuals.
Syria’s interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has urged national unity in response to the escalating violence, emphasizing the importance of preserving civil peace. The United States has condemned the actions of radical Islamist terrorists in western Syria and expressed solidarity with religious and ethnic minorities in the country.
The ongoing clashes mark the most significant outbreak of violence since Assad’s ousting in December. The situation in Latakia and Tartous, where Assad enjoyed strong support from Alawites, underscores the challenges facing Syria’s new regime in reconciling with armed factions and addressing grievances among disenfranchised groups.
For more CNN news and updates, sign up for an account at CNN.com.
