In the wake of escalating violence in Syria, Germany's Foreign Ministry has issued a statement urging all involved parties to de-escalate and seek peaceful resolutions. The call comes after two days of intense fighting between Syrian government forces and loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, resulting in over 200 fatalities. The clashes mark the most severe outbreak of violence since Assad's government was overthrown in early December.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reports that fighters supporting the new Syrian authorities launched attacks on villages along the coastal region, a traditional stronghold of Assad's support. These attacks are allegedly in retaliation for ambushes and assaults on government security forces by pro-Assad elements. Germany's Foreign Ministry expressed shock at the high number of casualties in western Syria and emphasized the need for national unity, inclusive political dialogue, and transitional justice to overcome the cycle of violence and hatred.

During a visit to Damascus in January, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock offered support to Syria contingent upon the government meeting specific conditions, including the protection of minorities. The recent surge in violence was triggered by a series of attacks targeting transitional government security forces along Syria's western coast. SOHR reports that the death toll includes approximately 140 individuals killed in apparent revenge attacks in villages, along with at least 50 members of Syria's government forces and 45 fighters loyal to Assad.

Syrian authorities have not released an official death toll. However, the state news agency SANA quoted an unnamed security official stating that individuals went to the coast seeking retribution for attacks on government security forces, leading to individual violations that authorities are working to stop. Defense Ministry spokesman Hassan Abdel Ghani stated that government forces have regained control of areas where attacks on security forces occurred.

Anas Khattab, head of Syria's General Intelligence Service, indicated on X that initial investigations suggest former military and security leaders affiliated with the previous regime are responsible for planning these crimes. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that overthrew Assad, has called on pro-Assad fighters from the Alawite minority to surrender. In a televised speech, al-Sharaa also pledged to monopolize weapons in the hands of the state and eliminate unregulated arms.

Armed groups with ties to the former regime remain active in several towns and villages in the coastal region. The new government has committed to uniting Syria after 14 years of civil war that has resulted in over half a million deaths and millions of displaced persons.