Casualties in Syria's Ongoing Conflict Reach Over 1,000 as Red Cross and UN Urge for Civilian Safety
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Synopsis
The ongoing conflict in Syria has led to over 1,000 casualties, including 745 civilians. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported significant retaliatory violence from paramilitary groups. The Red Cross and UN officials have called for immediate protection of civilians amid escalating tensions.
Key Takeaways
- Death toll reaches 1,018 in Syria
- 745 civilians among the casualties
- Retaliatory violence from paramilitary groups
- Urgent call for civilian protection from ICRC
- UN officials highlight infrastructure damage
Damascus, March 9 (NationPress) The current death toll from the persistent clashes in Syria's coastal region has risen to 1,018, which includes 745 civilians, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, updating earlier figures.
On Saturday, the observatory stated that allied paramilitary forces associated with the new administration have engaged in retaliatory killings following a series of assaults by remnants of the ousted Bashar al-Assad regime against government forces earlier this week, resulting in the death of 16 security personnel.
Officials from the government indicated that these ambushes were planned, according to reports from the Xinhua news agency.
The observatory noted that among the total fatalities, 125 were members of government security forces, and 148 were militants loyal to the former regime. However, these figures have not been independently verified.
The war monitor cautioned that the lack of legal accountability could incite further violence and destabilize the post-Assad landscape in Syria.
Mustafa Kinivati, the head of Latakia's General Security Directorate, reiterated the government's dedication to maintaining national unity and ensuring civilian safety.
"We are entirely devoted to preserving civil peace and safeguarding all citizens -- there will be no tolerance for any violations of this principle," Kinivati was quoted as saying by state media.
He vowed that authorities would not permit retaliatory violence, emphasizing that those responsible for security breaches, whether aligned with the former regime or acting as criminal opportunists, would face consequences.
In the meantime, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed profound concern regarding reports of increasing violence and civilian casualties in Syria's coastal areas, particularly in Latakia and Tartous.
In a statement, Stephan Sakalian, the head of the ICRC mission in Syria, called on all parties to take immediate action to protect civilians and adhere to humanitarian principles.
The ICRC urged all factions to respect civilian lives and property at all times and ensure safe passage for those fleeing from violence.
It also demanded that all parties guarantee access to healthcare facilities and protect medical staff.
The humanitarian organization confirmed that it collaborates closely with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, providing first aid services and transporting the injured to medical facilities.
Also on Saturday, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula and Ramesh Rajasingham, director of the Coordination Division at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, released a joint statement expressing grave concern regarding the recent escalation in Syria.
They noted that a staff member of the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees was among those killed in Jableh on Thursday.
UN officials warned of significant damage inflicted on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, the power supply system, and essential roads.
The statement highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian situation as ongoing curfews and movement restrictions hinder access to vital services, emphasizing the urgent need for "rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access" for those in need.
Government forces continued their security operations in the coastal region on Saturday, targeting remaining strongholds of Assad's loyalists and urging the remaining armed fighters to surrender.
