The number of civilian casualties from clashes between Syria’s new government security forces and armed supporters of former president Bashar al-Assad has risen from 830 to 973 within a day, according to the Lebanese newspaper Al Nahar. Among the dead are women and children, though exact figures were not provided.
Most of the victims belong to the Alawite community, which makes up 12% of Syria’s population.
Government forces have regained control over coastal areas in the provinces of Latakia and Tartus, but fighting continues in the mountainous regions. Since the military operation began on March 6, over 250 pro-Assad militants have been killed, while 231 fighters from the new government’s forces have also died.
On March 9, the office of Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced the formation of an independent committee to investigate the causes of the escalation in Syria’s western provinces. According to an official Telegram statement, the committee consists of seven judges tasked with investigating violations against civilians, examining attacks on state institutions, the military, and security personnel, identifying those responsible and ensuring they face justice.
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Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense
Based on TASS materials