Recent violence in Syria's coastal province spills into the capital, signaling challenges for the new government in maintaining stability.
Skirmish in Damascus Heightens Concerns of Widening Violence in Syria
Skirmish in Damascus Heightens Concerns of Widening Violence in Syria
Fears rise as clashes in the capital signal possible spillover of coastal region violence.
Gunfire erupted in Damascus late Thursday as unidentified gunmen targeted a Syrian security force outpost, reigniting worries that the ongoing bloodshed in the coastal regions could extend its reach. The attack, reported by the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, took place in the heavily secured Mezzeh district and involved grenades and firearms. Though the extent of injuries is unclear, the observatory noted that several arrests were made after skirmishes broke out.
There was no official statement from the newly-formed Syrian government or responses from state media, complicating independent verification of the events. The incident raises alarms in a country already shaken by violence that erupted last week between new government forces under Ahmed al-Shara and loyalists to former dictator Bashar al-Assad. So far, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 individuals, predominantly in the Alawite heartland of Latakia and Tartus, with civilian casualties reportedly numbering around 1,000.
This hostile environment raises fears of rekindled sectarian conflicts and poses serious challenges for the nation’s new leadership as they strive to unify Syria after years of civil strife. The ruling Assad family, part of the Alawite sect, historically held sway over the country's military and societal elite, resulting in lingering tensions.
Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, representing the defense ministry, remarked that military operations had concluded, yet violence persisted as government-affiliated forces reportedly targeted towns near Baniyas, leaving properties in flames. In response to the chaos, Interim President al-Shara announced plans for a fact-finding committee to address allegations of violence and ensure accountability within government ranks. However, it remains ambiguous whether he is admitting to atrocities committed by his forces or attempting to assign blame to remnants of the previous regime.
In an effort to promote national solidarity, al-Shara urged for tranquility and encouraged Assad's supporters to disarm, emphasizing the need to uphold national unity and civil peace during a mosque address shared online.
