Syria’s Interim President Calls for Unity Amid Fresh Fighting: Over 1,000 Killed in Coastal Provinces

In a desperate plea for calm, Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, has called for national unity and civil peace following days of intense clashes that have left more than 1,000 people dead in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus. The violence, which erupted last week between fighters loyal to the new government and those supporting the ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad, has raised fears of a renewed sectarian conflict in the war-torn nation.

Speaking from a mosque in Damascus, al-Shara urged Syrians to remain steadfast, emphasizing that the country possesses the “fundamentals for survival.” His remarks came as fresh fighting was reported in the countryside of Latakia and Tartus, where government forces, backed by drones, tanks, and artillery, are reportedly combing the area for armed fighters loyal to the former Assad regime.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which has been monitoring the conflict since 2011, reported that over 1,000 people, including approximately 700 civilians, have been killed since the clashes began. The observatory also noted that government forces were responsible for most civilian casualties, though these figures could not be independently verified. Another monitoring group, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, earlier reported that government security forces had killed around 125 civilians, with men of all ages among the casualties.

The coastal provinces, home to much of Syria’s Alawite religious minority, have become the epicenter of the violence. The Alawites, who dominated the ruling class and military under the Assad regime, now face heightened tensions as the new government seeks to consolidate power. This has sparked concerns of a resurgence in sectarian strife, further complicating efforts to unify the country after more than 13 years of civil war.

In a more formal address on Sunday night, al-Shara announced the formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate the violence and bring perpetrators to justice. However, it remains unclear whether the interim president was acknowledging possible wrongdoing by his own forces or attributing the violence entirely to remnants of the former regime. “Everyone knows who is responsible for this disorder and plots,” he stated, without elaborating.

The interim government also plans to establish another committee aimed at preserving civil peace across Syria. This move comes as the new administration faces its most significant test since ousting the Assad regime in early December. The escalating violence underscores the deep sectarian divisions that continue to plague the nation, challenging the government’s authority and its ability to foster reconciliation.

As the death toll rises and the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community watches closely, urging all parties to prioritize peace and protect civilian lives. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Syria can move toward stability or descend further into chaos.