Germany Urges Syria to Avoid Escalating Violence Amid Ongoing Conflict

Germany has called for a cessation of violence in Syria following deadly clashes resulting in over 200 deaths. The Foreign Ministry advocated for peaceful solutions and national dialogue. The interim president urges pro-Assad fighters to disarm, as government forces regain control of areas previously held by loyalists. The situation reflects ongoing strife following Assad’s regime downfall, with calls for unity amid rampant conflict in the region.

Germany’s Foreign Ministry has urged all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in Syria to avert a “spiral of violence,” following the recent deaths of over 200 individuals in two days of clashes between government forces and loyalist gunmen supporting ousted President Bashar al-Assad. The violence, which has escalated in the coastal region, has been attributed to retaliatory attacks by fighters backing Syria’s new authorities against Assad loyalists, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

The German Ministry expressed its horror regarding the casualties in western Syria and called for a peaceful resolution through national unity, inclusive political dialogue, and transitional justice. During a visit to Damascus in January, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock extended conditional support to Syria, contingent upon the protection of minority groups by the government.

Recent skirmishes have seen over 200 fatalities, with a significant portion resulting from retaliation focused on government security forces in the region. Casualties include approximately 140 revenge attacks, 50 government personnel, and 45 pro-Assad fighters. Although Syrian authorities did not release an official count, SANA reported comments from an unidentified security official acknowledging individual violations occurring in response to recent assaults on security forces.

In related news, government forces have reportedly regained control of the areas previously targeted by these attacks. Hassan Abdel Ghani, a spokesman for the Defense Ministry, indicated significant advances on the ground. Anas Khattab, head of Syria’s General Intelligence Service, suggested that crimes were being plotted by former leaders of Assad’s regime.

In a bid to quell further violence, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed pro-Assad fighters, particularly from the Alawite community, urging them to surrender their weapons. He emphasized the need to regulate arms within the state, marking a commitment to disbanding unregulated militias. Clashes in western Syria have intensified, representing the most severe violence since the fall of Assad’s government in December. The new administration is tasked with fostering unity in a country ravaged by civil war, which has resulted in extensive loss of life and displacement.

In conclusion, Germany has emphasized the urgent need for peace in Syria as violence escalates, resulting in significant casualties. The ongoing conflict is marked by retaliatory attacks and calls for political dialogue. The interim government is working to stabilize the situation, urging combatants to disarm and proposing a unified approach to governance. These developments occur amidst the backdrop of Syria’s ongoing civil strife, signaling critical challenges for a nation striving for reconciliation and stability.

Original Source: www.dw.com