Mon Mar 10 02:30:24 UTC 2025: ## Syria Reels from Mass Killings After Assad’s Ouster; New Government Vows Accountability

**Latakia, Syria – March 10, 2025** – Hundreds of civilians, predominantly Alawites, have been killed in Syria following clashes between loyalists of deposed President Bashar al-Assad and the country’s new Islamist government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The violence, described as the worst since Assad’s overthrow in December 2024, has sparked international condemnation.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports at least 973 civilian deaths since March 6th, resulting from killings, field executions, and ethnic cleansing operations. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has demanded an immediate end to the violence.

President Sharaa, in a video address, vowed to hold those responsible for the bloodshed accountable and announced the formation of an independent committee to investigate the atrocities. He also appealed for national unity in a separate address. However, reports from the ground depict a grim reality. Witnesses describe armed groups entering homes, rounding up men, and executing them.

International reactions have been swift and strong. The US, UK, and other nations have condemned the violence, demanding accountability. Syria’s foreign minister has pledged judicial proceedings against those involved, and the Kurdish administration in northern Syria has also condemned the killings.

While the new government asserts it is working to restore order and rebuild the war-torn nation, skepticism remains high, particularly given the Islamist roots of the ruling party, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously associated with Al-Qaeda. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has warned against granting legitimacy to the new authorities. The Alawite community, fearing reprisals for the Assad regime’s past abuses, is living in fear. The situation remains tense, with reports of ongoing clashes and protests in various areas.

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