As violence surges in Syria, interim president Ahmed al-Shara has appealed for unity and calm in response to deadly clashes that have claimed over 1,000 lives, including numerous civilians.
Syria’s Interim Leader Calls for National Unity Amid Escalating Violence
Syria’s Interim Leader Calls for National Unity Amid Escalating Violence
Amidst ongoing clashes, Syria’s provisional president urges calm and accountability as death toll rises.
Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, made a strong call for national unity on March 9, urging the populace to remain calm as the nation faces escalating violence between government forces and those loyal to former dictator Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that more than 1,000 individuals have perished in the recent fighting, with civilians making up approximately 700 of those casualties, predominantly at the hands of government forces.
Al-Shara insisted on the resilience of the nation, stating, "We call on Syrians to be reassured because the country has the fundamentals for survival." His plea came amid ongoing skirmishes in Latakia and Tartus Provinces, where fresh reports of conflict have emerged. In the wake of these incidents, al-Shara announced the formation of a fact-finding committee aimed at investigating the violence and ensuring accountability for those responsible. However, it remains unclear whether he acknowledged the actions of his forces or aimed to assign all blame to the supporters of al-Assad.
The turmoil erupted last Thursday when loyalists of al-Assad ambushed government security personnel in Latakia, triggering a prolonged series of confrontations that has arguably been the most severe since the ousting of the Assad regime in early December. The aftermath saw thousands take to the streets to protest against the interim government, marking the largest demonstrations to date. In a bid to regain control, local authorities implemented curfews, urging residents to remain indoors.
In related developments, regional tensions have flared, with Israel’s energy minister announcing a total shutdown of electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip, signaling further complications in the volatile geopolitical landscape.
