In a notable development, Syria's interim authorities declared the end of a military operation aimed at dismantling loyalist factions and remnants of the ousted regime of Bashar al-Assad.

This announcement follows reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stating that more than 1,000 civilians, mainly from the Alawite community, have died amidst rising violence considered the worst since Assad's overthrow.

The conflict intensified in the coastal areas of Latakia and Tartus, regions historically associated with the Alawite minority, following clashes instigated by pro-Assad armed groups against newly formed security forces.

Hassan Abdul Ghani, spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, confirmed that operations targeting security threats and combating the influence of 'regime remnants' have ceased.

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose faction was instrumental in Assad's ousting, declared that the nation would resist any attempts to descend into chaos or civil conflict.

Sharaa vowed accountability for those responsible for the civilian casualties, stressing that such actions would not be tolerated under his leadership.

Casualty reports indicate that the violence since the operation began has impacted civilians, resulting in the deaths of 231 security personnel and 250 Assad loyalists.

Residents in Jableh, a town in Latakia, recounted a terrifying atmosphere brought on by armed groups, with personal testimonies illustrating the devastating effects of the violence, including numerous killings and mass burials.

Although there are indications of a gradual return to calm, many inhabitants remain apprehensive and hesitant to leave their homes, especially after nightfall.

An AFP journalist noted a substantial military presence along the routes linking Latakia and Jableh, with abandoned vehicles from skirmishes scattered throughout the area.

Additionally, sources have confirmed casualties within the Christian community due to the violence.

In a sermon in Damascus, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch emphasized the shared suffering among communities, declaring that fear pervades all sects in the region.

However, local Christians expressed feelings of isolation, describing their situation as unstable.

In response to the allegations of violence, the Syrian presidency has begun establishing an independent committee to investigate civilian casualties and ensure accountability for those responsible.

Human rights advocates have urged both national and international organizations to be granted access to conduct independent investigations, especially in the coastal regions.

Sharaa, representing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group linked to Al-Qaeda, has reaffirmed commitments to protect Syria's minority populations amid ongoing unrest.

Nevertheless, experts have voiced concerns regarding the new regime’s ability to govern effectively amidst the chaos, suggesting that the ongoing militia unrest indicates a lack of control over the new Syrian army.

Iran's foreign ministry has publicly rejected claims of its involvement in the recent disturbances, deeming such accusations baseless.

At the same time, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Turkey's backing of Syria, advocating for peace and recovery among its diverse ethnic and sectarian groups.