The death toll from ongoing clashes between Syria’s newly established government and supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad has reached 1,018, including 745 civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The conflict, which began on Thursday, marks the most serious challenge to the new administration. Retaliatory attacks by paramilitary groups aligned with the government followed an ambush by Assad loyalists earlier this week, which resulted in the deaths of 16 security personnel, the Observatory reported.
Read more: War Returns? Syrian Forces Targeted as Pro-Assad Fighters Strike Back
Among those killed, 125 were government security forces, while 148 were militants from pro-Assad factions. However, these numbers have not been independently verified.
As violence spreads, Syrian security forces have been deployed to the coastal cities of Latakia and Jableh, where roads have been sealed off. Armed groups loyal to Assad have also targeted medical facilities, including Latakia’s National Hospital.
“The attack came from abandoned buildings surrounding the hospital,” said Dr. Mohammed, head of the emergency department. “The attackers infiltrated these structures and started firing.”
Civilians have been caught in the crossfire. Khaled Al Raad, a Latakia resident, was injured while preparing a meal for his son at home.
“I was near the window when sudden gunfire erupted from nearby buildings,” Raad said from his hospital bed. “A bullet struck my hand, and another narrowly missed me.”
As security forces reclaimed control of key areas, some residents cautiously attempted to return to their daily lives. However, many fear that the violence will escalate further along sectarian lines.
“We don’t want a war of revenge,” said Ahmad Al Najar, a resident of Latakia. “While some profit from conflict, it is the civilians who suffer. We want peace and for Syria to recover.”
