Syria Declares End to Military Operation Amidst Ongoing Sectarian Violence

The Syrian government’s defense ministry reports the conclusion of a military campaign aimed at stabilizing the coastal regions of Latakia and Tartous after extensive violence tied to sectarian tensions. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has committed to an investigation into the recent spate of killings that predominantly affected the Alawite sect, while assuring accountability for the actions of security forces and loyalist factions.

Syria's defense ministry has declared the end of a military operation in the western coastal regions, signaling a troubling chapter of violence that has claimed over 1,500 lives in recent days. The operation focused on rooting out loyalists of former president Bashar al-Assad from various towns in the provinces of Latakia and Tartous, as the government attempts to restore stability to the area.

According to a ministry spokesperson, security forces successfully "neutralized" loyalists in several locations and are now working to normalize life in the region. However, a monitoring group has reported that the latest turmoil has resulted in the deaths of 1,068 civilians, amidst accusations directed at gunmen allied with the Sunni Islamist-led government of engaging in sectarian revenge killings against Assad's minority Alawite sect.

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced the formation of an independent committee tasked with investigating these killings, vowing that justice would be served against the perpetrators. The recent violence marks the most severe upheaval since Sharaa's regime took control in December, bringing an end to a civil war that had claimed over 600,000 lives and led to the displacement of millions.

The government’s operation followed an ambush of security personnel by armed groups in the town of Jableh, leading to a rapid escalation of violence. Reports indicate that the subsequent military response involved retaliatory assaults on Alawite neighborhoods, with security forces reportedly conducting revenge killings.

Witness accounts reveal a grim picture, with residents describing scenes of terror as armed factions targeted Alawite families, leading to mass kidnappings and executions. Testimonies illustrate the fear gripping the Alawite community, with reports of entire families living in hiding to avoid violent retribution.

The ongoing violence has raised alarms, with international observers and human rights advocates calling for accountability and protection for civilians. UN human rights chief Volker Türk has expressed deep concern over reports of summary executions, urging Syria's interim authorities to take immediate action to safeguard the civilian population.

Despite the defense ministry's statements regarding the operation's completion and the promise of restoring normalcy, the path to lasting peace remains uncertain amid the shadows of sectarian strife that continue to haunt the region.