Syria Ends Military Operation Against Former Assad Loyalists Amid Deadly Violence

 

A Syrian military operation targeting remnants of the former Assad regime has officially ended, following days of intense violence that marked one of the bloodiest periods in the country’s recent history.

Since Thursday, clashes between government forces and armed supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad have resulted in the deaths of hundreds, with reports of field executions and sectarian killings.

Background and Escalation of Violence

The conflict erupted in Latakia province, a stronghold of the Alawite sect, to which Assad belonged. Initially, the fighting was between Assad loyalists and government forces, but it soon escalated into broader communal violence.

The UK-based Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) reported at least 779 deaths. According to the group, pro-Assad forces were responsible for 383 deaths, including 172 members of state security forces and 211 civilians. Government troops and affiliated groups were blamed for 396 deaths, including civilians and disarmed militants.

Eyewitnesses described executions carried out by armed men linked to the government, some of whom spoke of “purifying” Syria.

Response from the New Syrian Government

Interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa blamed the violence on Assad’s remnants, accusing them of attempting to incite sectarian strife.

On Sunday, he vowed to hold those responsible accountable and announced an independent committee to investigate the violence. The committee has been given 30 days to determine who was involved and recommend legal action.

Speaking to Reuters, Sharaa described Syria as a “state of law” and insisted that justice would be served. He also suggested that the violence was fueled by a former military unit loyal to Assad’s brother and unspecified foreign actors.

International Reactions

The violence threatens efforts by the new Syrian leadership to rebuild diplomatic ties and end the country’s isolation.

The United States condemned the killings, denouncing what it called “radical Islamist terrorists, including foreign jihadis, that murdered people in western Syria.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Syria’s interim authorities to ensure accountability for those responsible.

The European Union, which recently eased some restrictions on Syria, also expressed concern, urging the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law.

Foreign Involvement and Regional Tensions

Syria’s civil war turned the country into a battleground for regional and global powers, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Russia, and the US. While the extent of foreign involvement in the latest violence remains unclear, videos circulating on social media show armed men speaking in foreign Arabic dialects.

Tensions between Turkey and Iran escalated as a result of the clashes. Turkey, which gained influence in Syria after Assad’s removal, had previously warned Iran against destabilizing the country.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reaffirmed his country’s support for Syria’s interim government, emphasizing the need for stability.

What’s Next for Syria?

Analysts warn that unless the government addresses the root causes of sectarian tensions, instability could persist. Issues such as political inclusivity, economic inequality, and sectarian divisions remain unresolved.

“Syria has endured over a decade of brutal conflict that has left deep social scars,” said Charles Lister, a Syria expert at the Middle East Institute. “The anger and thirst for revenge won’t disappear overnight.”

Western countries will be watching how the interim government handles accountability. While recent violence could reinforce US skepticism, European nations remain focused on stabilizing Syria.

Meanwhile, regional actors, including Turkey, Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon, continue to push for the lifting of sanctions to aid Syria’s reconstruction.

Despite the official end of the military operation, fears remain that violence could erupt again if underlying tensions are not addressed.