By Gill Bikram Singh 
More than 1,000 people have been killed in violent clashes in Syria on Thursday, during a conflict between security forces and supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad, according to a report by the Associated Press (AP).
The violence erupted when gunmen loyal to the current government began a revenge campaign against the Alawite minority community, which remains loyal to former President Assad. While the intensity of the violence has decreased, the government has regained control over most areas. In an effort to restore stability, authorities have closed all roads leading to the coastal region, the center of the conflict.
Casualty Figures
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that:
- 745 civilians were killed, most of them shot at close range.
- 125 members of the government security forces lost their lives.
- 148 militants from armed groups linked to Assad were also killed.
Targeted Attacks on the Alawite Community
During Assad’s regime, the Alawite community held key positions in the military and other high offices. However, since the new regime took power three months ago, the Alawites have been repeatedly targeted due to their association with the former president.
Essential Services Cut Off
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that in several Alawite-majority areas:
- Electricity and drinking water supplies have been cut off.
- Homes belonging to Alawite families were looted and set on fire.
Concerns from a Lebanese Politician
Haidar Nasser, a Lebanese politician who holds one of two seats reserved for the Alawite community in Lebanon’s parliament, expressed concern over the situation. He stated that many Syrians are fleeing to Lebanon to ensure their safety.
Brutal Attacks on Women
Witnesses told AP that women were:
- Stripped, paraded through the streets, and then shot dead.
These horrific scenes further escalated the violence in the region.
Chaos in Baniyas
The city of Baniyas has been the worst affected by the violence:
- Bodies were found lying on the streets and rooftops of buildings.
- Gunmen prevented locals from burying the dead.
A Baniyas resident described the scene to AP, saying:
“It was terrible. Bodies were everywhere—on the streets, on rooftops. People were fleeing their homes. Gunmen were firing without reason, and houses and cars were being burned.”
The situation remains tense despite the government’s efforts to restore order in the affected areas.