Syrian conflict: Death toll passes 1,000

DAMASCUS: The death toll from the conflict that erupted in Syria's coastal region has passed 1,000. Most of the dead are civilians from the Alawite minority. Clashes between rebel groups loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad and security forces in the provinces of Latakia and Tartus on Thursday led to the attack on the Alawites.

Assad was an Alawite. Latakia and Tartus are Assad's strongholds. The Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam, makes up about 10 percent of Syria's population. Sunni Islam is the majority in the country.

The situation deteriorated when pro-government gunmen and mobs joined in the raids launched by security forces against pro-Assad rebels. Various human rights organisations say that the situation is such that the gunmen are hunting down and massacring Alawites. Hundreds of people have already fled to neighbouring Lebanon. Many have also sought refuge at the Russian military base in Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia.

Syrian security forces say more than 200 of their members have been killed in clashes with rebels. The main power station in Latakia was attacked by rebels, disrupting power supply in the region. Fuel depots were also destroyed.

Don't give up on peace: Sharaa

Meanwhile, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa called for peace and unity not to be given up. He also urged not to further destabilise the country through sectarian violence. The intensity of the conflict around the cities of Latakia, Jableh, and Banias has decreased. However, security forces are continuing to search for about 5,000 pro-Assad rebels hiding in the mountainous areas. In December, rebel forces led by Sunni Islamist Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized power in Syria when the civil war was raging, ousting President Assad. An interim government was formed under the leadership of HTS.