Germany Urges Syria to Prevent Escalation of Violence Amid Ongoing Clashes

Germany’s Foreign Ministry has called for an end to violence in Syria after over 200 deaths from recent clashes. The fighting has involved government forces and Assad loyalists, with casualties including security personnel and civilians. Germany urges a peaceful resolution and has proposed support contingent on minority protection. The interim president has called for disarmament among pro-Assad fighters, amid ongoing instability in the region.

Germany’s Foreign Ministry has urged all factions in Syria to prevent a further escalation of violence following two days of intense clashes that resulted in over 200 fatalities. The fighting arose between government forces and supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, particularly in coastal villages, which have historically backed Assad. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that these confrontations included retaliatory strikes against Assad loyalists for prior assaults on government security personnel.

In response to this alarming situation, the German Foreign Ministry expressed its dismay over the casualties, urging all parties to pursue peaceful resolutions, national unity, inclusive political dialogue, and transitional justice to mitigate the cycle of violence. Earlier in January, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock extended potential support to Syria, contingent on the government guaranteeing the protection of minority groups.

The violence escalated following multiple attacks blamed on Assad’s loyalists, targeting transitional security forces along the western coast. Reports indicate that the death toll includes approximately 140 individuals from village reprisals, alongside at least 50 government forces and 45 pro-Assad fighters. Although Syrian authorities have not officially confirmed these numbers, a state news agency referenced a security official’s claim that many sought vengeance for attacks on security forces, indicating challenges in restoring order.

In the midst of this turmoil, the Defense Ministry confirmed that government forces have regained control over several affected areas. Meanwhile, Anas Khattab from Syria’s General Intelligence Service indicated that investigations reveal involvement from former military and security leaders associated with the previous regime.

Syria’s interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa—the leader of the group that ousted Assad—has called on pro-Assad fighters from the Alawite community to surrender their weapons, asserting this is a critical juncture. He reiterated commitments to centralizing armaments under state control, declaring an end to the presence of unregulated weapons. Ongoing clashes in western Syria signify the most severe violence since the government’s fall in December, perpetuated by insurgents, particularly the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The new government aims to unify Syria after more than a decade of civil conflict that has wrought tremendous human costs, with over half a million fatalities and millions rendered homeless.

In summary, Germany has called upon all involved in the Syrian conflict to prioritize peace over further violence, emphasizing the need for dialogue and unity. The recent violence has resulted in tragic losses, prompting international concern and responses aimed at safeguarding minorities and restoring order. The situation underscores the fragility of peace efforts amidst ongoing hostilities and highlights the necessity for cooperative governance in Syria’s path to recovery.

Original Source: www.dw.com