At least 745 civilians were among more than 1,000 people killed in two days as Syrian security forces cracked down on fighters loyal to the ousted Bashar al-Assad regime, according to reports.
This is among the highest death tolls in Syria since 2011, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory of Human Rights. Most of the 745 civilians belonging to minority Alawites and other religions were gunned down in execution-style killings.
“The vast majority of the victims were summarily executed by elements affiliated to the Ministry of Defense and the Interior,” the war monitor said on Friday.
In al-Mukhtariya town alone, more than 40 people were killed with videos showing dead bodies of people in civilian clothes piled up. There are reports of the pro-government fighters resorting to "looting of homes and properties" and forcibly taking valuables from innocent civilians.
Besides civilians, 125 Syrian security forces and 148 Assad loyalists were also killed in the clashes. The latest conflict began on Thursday which Assad loyalists ambushed security personnel in Jableh, Latakia.
Latakia is home to former ruler al-Assad and is a stronghold of the Islamic Alawite sect. The latest execution civilians comes following the new Syrian authorities assured the Alawites that they would be safe under the new regime and ruling out any revenge killings.
Several civilians and members of the former regime have fled to the Khmeimim air base in Latakia that is under Russian control. Bashar al-Assad and his family are currently in Russia following his government's ouster in December last year.
On Friday, the interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who earlier went by his nom-de-guerre Mohammed al-Jolani, urged the Assad loyalists to surrender, vowing to "pursue the remnants of the fallen regime".
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen raised alarm following the clashes, urging "immediate need for restraint from all parties". He said civilians should be protected in accordance with the international law.
Though there was a "relative return to calm" by Saturday evening, there are skirmishes in certain pockets as reinforcements arrive.