Germany Urges Syria to Prevent Escalation of Violence Amid Clashes

Germany has urged for an end to violence in Syria following over 200 deaths in recent clashes between government forces and pro-Assad gunmen. The Foreign Ministry calls for peaceful solutions and highlights the need for inclusive dialogue. The interim president has also called on pro-Assad fighters to surrender weapons as the new government works towards unity post-civil war.

Germany’s Foreign Ministry has urged all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in Syria to prevent further escalation of violence following the deaths of more than 200 individuals in a recent two-day confrontation between government forces and loyalist gunmen. The conflict, which erupted due to retaliatory attacks against government security forces, specifically targeted villages in the coastal region traditionally supportive of former President Bashar al-Assad.

In a statement, the Ministry expressed shock at the casualty figures and called for peaceful resolutions that emphasize national unity, inclusive political dialogue, and transitional justice to address the ongoing cycle of violence. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had previously indicated that Germany could provide support to Syria contingent upon the protection of minority groups and other key conditions.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the violence was triggered by a series of assaults on transitional government security forces, resulting in significant fatalities among both government troops and pro-Assad fighters. Reports revealed that approximately 140 individuals had been killed in revenge attacks, along with at least 50 from government forces and 45 loyalists to Bashar al-Assad.

While the Syrian government has not confirmed the death toll, a security official indicated to a state news agency that a number of individuals sought retribution following earlier assaults on the security forces. The official acknowledged that these actions had led to some individual violations, which they are striving to rectify.

Government forces are reported to have regained control over several areas previously affected by conflict, with military advancements made rapidly. Anas Khattab from Syria’s General Intelligence Service suggested that former military and security leaders from the ousted regime played a key role in orchestrating these violent acts.

Reinforcing his position, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa urged pro-Assad fighters from the Alawite minority to disarm and cooperate before it becomes too late. He emphasized the government’s commitment to restricting weapons solely to state control, declaring an end to the era of unregulated arsenals. The persistent clashes in western Syria highlight the worst violence experienced since the collapse of the Assad government earlier in December, with the new administration vowing to unify the nation following a prolonged civil war.

The situation in Syria remains dire, with a call from Germany for parties to avoid further violence amidst a tragic death toll exceeding 200. The ongoing conflict underscores the importance of pursuing peaceful resolutions while the interim leadership urges disarmament among pro-Assad fighters. Efforts to restore order and unity are critical in the wake of extensive civil unrest and years of destruction.

Original Source: www.dw.com