- Over 1,000 Killed in Two Days as Forces Battle for Control
As fierce clashes continue between forces aligned with Syria’s new rulers and fighters loyal to the ousted president Bashar al-Assad, interim leader Ahmed Sharaa has reassured the nation that the current turmoil is among the “expected challenges” of transition. Speaking in a video circulated by Arab media on Sunday, Sharaa urged national unity and called for an end to the violence that has engulfed parts of the country, particularly in the strategic coastal region.
The conflict, which has been intensifying over the past several weeks, has already resulted in heavy casualties. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that more than 1,000 people have been killed in just the past two days of fighting. Among them were 745 civilians, 125 members of the Syrian security forces, and 148 pro-Assad fighters.
The coastal areas, long considered a stronghold of Assad’s supporters, have been at the heart of recent battles. Syria’s state news agency, SANA, quoted an unnamed Defense Ministry official stating that government forces have managed to regain control of much of the region from Assad loyalists. Authorities have also shut down all roads leading to the area to “prevent violations and gradually restore stability.”
Despite these claims, independent reports indicate that clashes are ongoing, and large portions of the coastal region remain highly volatile. The SOHR and local activists report that both sides continue to engage in skirmishes, with neither faction achieving a decisive advantage.
In a video address on Friday, Sharaa called on all armed groups affiliated with the former government to lay down their weapons, while also urging fighters aligned with the new administration to avoid mistreating civilians and prisoners.
“When we compromise our ethics, we reduce ourselves to the same level as our enemy,” he said. “The remnants of the fallen regime are looking for a provocation that will lead to violations behind which they can seek refuge.”
Sharaa’s appeal comes as human rights organizations and activists have raised concerns about alleged human rights abuses committed by both sides. There have been unverified reports of summary executions and arbitrary detentions, particularly in areas recently taken over by government forces.
The coastal region, historically a bastion of Assad’s Alawite supporters, has now become one of the most contested areas in Syria. The region’s strategic importance stems from its proximity to key ports and its role as a gateway for international trade and supplies. Losing it entirely would be a major blow to Assad’s loyalists, who continue to resist the new government’s authority.
Over the years, the area has also been a safe haven for pro-Assad militias, including paramilitary groups accused of committing atrocities against opposition forces and civilians. As a result, the ongoing clashes in the region have become a symbol of the broader struggle for power in Syria.
The escalating violence has drawn concern from the international community. The United Nations has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to prioritize dialogue over violence.
“We are deeply concerned about the civilian casualties and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria’s coastal region,” said a spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General. “We call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to protect civilians.”
The United States and European Union have also expressed alarm over the rising death toll, calling on Syria’s interim government to ensure the protection of human rights as it consolidates power. Meanwhile, Russia and Iran, longtime allies of Assad, have yet to issue official statements on the situation.
As the conflict rages on, humanitarian conditions in affected areas continue to deteriorate. Thousands of civilians have reportedly fled their homes, seeking refuge in safer parts of the country or across Syria’s borders. Aid organizations warn that the situation could soon become a full-blown humanitarian disaster if access to essential supplies and medical care is not restored.
“The number of displaced families is growing every day,” said a representative of the International Red Cross in Syria. “We urgently need safe corridors to deliver food, water, and medical aid to those trapped in conflict zones.”
The ongoing violence underscores the fragile nature of Syria’s political transition. While Sharaa and his government attempt to establish control and restore order, the resistance from Assad loyalists highlights the deep divisions that remain within the country.
Experts warn that unless a political resolution is reached, Syria could face prolonged instability. Some fear that the situation might devolve into a drawn-out insurgency, with pro-Assad forces launching guerrilla-style attacks against the new government.
