According to BBC News: Syria’s Defence Ministry has announced the end of a military operation against loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartous. The operation, launched in response to a recent insurgency, resulted in over 1,400 deaths, including 973 civilians, according to monitoring groups.
The violence began after Assad loyalists ambushed a security patrol in the town of Jableh, killing 13 officers. This triggered a government crackdown, with security forces storming Alawite towns—home to Assad’s minority sect. Residents reported severe violence, including revenge killings and looting by government supporters and fighters.
Defence Ministry spokesman Hassan Abdul Ghani stated that their forces had “neutralized” threats in multiple towns, including al-Mukhtareyah and Qadmous. He also promised that public services would resume and security would be reinforced.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced an independent investigation to ensure accountability for the killings. International concern has grown, with the UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, condemning reports of summary executions and mass killings.
Survivors described terrifying scenes, with families hiding indoors, fearing for their lives. In Baniyas, some reported mass graves and missing family members, highlighting the brutality of the crackdown.
The violence is the worst Syria has seen since Assad’s overthrow in December, which ended a 13-year civil war. The government now faces the challenge of restoring peace and ensuring justice for the victims.
