Tensions rise in Latakia: Interim government issues call for unity

Ahmed Shara, leader of Syria's interim government, has called for national unity after it was revealed that more than a thousand people lost their lives in clashes between pro-regime supporters and government forces in Latakia. Speaking at a mosque in the capital, Damascus, Shara said, "The crisis has been safely overcome; we must protect national unity and peace."

CLASHES CLAIM THOUSANDS OF LIVES 

Violent clashes that began on Thursday in Latakia spread to other regions in a short time. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the death toll exceeded one thousand within two days, and that 745 of those were civilians.

AHMED SHARA SPEAKS 

Interim government leader Shara announced in a statement on Friday that those who harm civilians will face severe penalties. Government officials claimed that the killing of civilians was the result of individual actions, stating that the influx of fighters into the region may have led to human rights violations.

Defense Ministry Spokesperson Hassan Abdulghani announced that government forces are continuing their operations in rural areas to neutralize pro-Assad groups.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, government forces are conducting drone, tank, and artillery attacks in conflict zones. As reported by the official news agency SANA, it was alleged that pro-Assad groups attacked the facilities of the SADCOP oil company in Latakia.