Syria: Death toll crosses 1,000 as clashes between security forces and armed men loyal to Assad escalates

According to reports, allied paramilitary groups with the new administration have been involved in retaliatory killings following a series of attacks by remnants of the ousted Bashar al-Assad government against government troops earlier this week, in which 16 security personnel were killed. Government officials said the ambushes were premeditated.

The observatory said that of the overall toll, 125 were members of government security forces, and 148 were militants with armed groups loyal to the former regime. However, the numbers could not be independently verified.

The war monitor, meanwhile, warned that the absence of legal accountability could fuel further violence and destabilize post-Assad Syria.

Mustafa Kinivati, head of Latakia's General Security Directorate, reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting national unity and ensuring civilian safety.

"We are fully committed to maintaining civil peace and protecting all citizens -- there will be no tolerance for any violations of this principle," Kinivati was quoted by state TV as saying.

He vowed that authorities would not allow retaliatory violence, stressing that those involved in security breaches -- whether the former regime's loyalists or criminal opportunists -- would be held accountable.

Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed deep concern over reports of escalating violence and civilian casualties in Syria's coastal region, particularly in Latakia and Tartous.

The UN officials warned of extensive damage inflicted on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, the power supply network, and key roads.

It highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation as ongoing curfews and movement restrictions are preventing access to essential services, emphasizing the need for "rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access" to those in need.

Government forces continued security operations in the coastal region on Saturday, targeting pockets of resistance from Assad's loyalists and calling on the remaining armed fighters to surrender.