Over 4,700 Syrian Civilians Killed Following Assad’s Ouster in 100 Days
Since the ousting of President Assad, over 4,700 civilians have been killed in Syria within 100 days, with escalating sectarian violence reported. A total of 6,316 individuals died, including significant military casualties. The report reveals a worsening situation as sectarianism increases following a power vacuum left by Assad’s departure.
In the aftermath of President Bashar al-Assad’s ousting, over 4,700 civilians have lost their lives in Syria within the first 100 days. This alarming statistic, reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, outlines a precarious situation characterized by rampant sectarian violence and instability. Among the deceased, at least 1,800 individuals fell victim to sectarian violence as chaos engulfed the nation following Assad’s departure to Moscow on December 8, 2024.
The Observatory details that approximately 6,316 individuals lost their lives in total across Syria, including 4,711 civilians, such as 345 women and 194 children. Among the casualties, 1,605 were military personnel, with 1,805 deaths resulting from field executions and killings based on sectarian identities associated with the former regime. The majority of these violent incidents occurred in March, particularly on March 6, when pro-Assad militants launched strikes against checkpoints held by the Syrian Interior and Defense Ministries.
The report elucidates that the power vacuum left by Assad’s fall provided fertile ground for armed factions and opportunists to exploit the ensuing chaos. Despite an initial attempt by the Islamist-led coalition headed by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to control violence, conditions dramatically deteriorated by late February. Following coordinated assaults on Defense Ministry officials in the Alawite-majority western regions of Syria by Assad loyalists, a severe crackdown ensued with escalating retaliation in the form of extrajudicial executions.
The Alawite minority, associated with Shia Islam, had significant influence during over fifty years of Assad family governance, particularly within the security forces. Under the regimes of Hafez and Bashar al-Assad, Alawites occupied vital positions within the governmental and military structures, contributing to the ongoing tensions amidst the current unrest.
In conclusion, the events following President Assad’s departure have led to a dire humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilian casualties reflecting the pervasive sectarian conflicts. The political vacuum has heightened instability, as rival factions vie for power and engage in violent reprisals. Such conditions highlight the urgent need for international attention and intervention to stabilize the region and prevent further suffering among the Syrian populace.
Original Source: efe.com
