Death Toll Rises in Jolani Government’s Attack on Syrian Coastal Region
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The European Union’s foreign policy chief issued a warning to the new rulers in Damascus as the death toll from a deadly assault by militant forces on an Alawite-majority region in Syri has risen.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Wednesday that the number of fatalities from the recent attacks in Syria has increased to 1,093.
According to the Observatory, 44 bodies were recovered from a village in Brashbo and 62 in Baniyas. These individuals were reportedly executed on-site by elements affiliated with the Ministry of Defense and Internal Security.
Since last Thursday, Syrian Defense Ministry forces, along with militant groups, have launched an operation targeting Alawite-majority areas in the Latakia and Tartus provinces. The attacks have resulted in the deaths of a significant number of civilians, including women and children, with the toll surpassing 1,000, according to reports.
Previously, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights had recorded 1,014 deaths. The assault has triggered widespread international, regional, and domestic condemnation. On Tuesday, one day after the offensive was halted, the Jolani-led government announced the formation of a committee to investigate the situation and identify those responsible, claiming its objectives had been achieved.
In response to the violence, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that the bloc may consider reinstating sanctions against Syria if the situation deteriorates further.
An Iraqi politician described the recent events in Syria’s Alawite-majority regions as "horrifying" and urged the new rulers in Damascus to take real and effective measures instead of resorting to violence.
Hadi Al-Amiri, head of Iraq’s Badr Organization, condemned the incidents in Syria, stating that "violence cannot sustain governance." Speaking with Iraq’s state news agency INA, Al-Amiri remarked that the recent events in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon have had significant implications for Iraq.
He emphasized that Iraq today is not the same as in 2014 when large parts of the country fell under Daesh (ISIL or ISIS) control. He stated that Iraq’s borders with Syria are now fully secured.
Al-Amiri also asserted that Iraq has moved beyond sectarian and religious conflicts, with both military and civilian leaders committed to protecting the nation from external threats.
Regarding Israeli occupation, he maintained that resistance against occupation cannot be suppressed by force, calling it a natural and legitimate movement.
On the Syrian crisis, Al-Amiri warned that the recent killings of Alawites have instilled fear among Syrians, stressing that "violence is not a viable means of governance."
He added that stability in Syria benefits Iraq, stating, "We expect real action from Syrian leaders, not just words." He also highlighted Iraq’s significant role in maintaining stability and preventing further escalation in the region.
Al-Amiri concluded by emphasizing that Iraq’s government coalition, composed of Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish factions, has played a crucial role in de-escalating tensions and maintaining order.
