In a major development, Syria's interim government declared the end of a military operation focused on dismantling loyalist factions and remnants of the ousted regime of Bashar al-Assad.

This announcement follows reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stating that more than 1,000 civilians, primarily from the Alawite community, have lost their lives amid escalating violence, described as the worst since Assad's removal.

The conflict erupted in the coastal areas of Latakia and Tartus, regions traditionally supportive of the Alawite minority, following clashes sparked by pro-Assad gunmen against newly formed security forces.

Hassan Abdul Ghani, spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, confirmed the halt of operations aimed at addressing security threats and countering the presence of 'regime remnants'.

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose faction was instrumental in ousting Assad, asserted that the country would resist any attempts to descend into chaos or civil disorder.

Sharaa vowed to hold accountable those responsible for civilian deaths, emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated under his leadership.

Casualty reports indicate that the violence since the operation's initiation has impacted civilians significantly, resulting in the deaths of 231 security personnel and 250 fighters loyal to Assad.

Residents in Jableh, a town in Latakia, have provided eyewitness accounts of a pervasive atmosphere of fear instigated by armed groups, with personal testimonies detailing the horrific consequences of the violence, including numerous killings and mass burials.

Despite reports of a gradual return to calm, many locals remain apprehensive and hesitant to go out, especially after dusk.

An AFP reporter noted a heightened military presence along the routes linking Latakia and Jableh, while vehicles abandoned from clashes continue to litter the area.

Additionally, members of the Christian community have reportedly been caught in the crossfire, with sources confirming casualties within this group.

In a sermon in Damascus, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch emphasized the shared suffering experienced across communities, asserting that fear permeates all sects in the region.

Nevertheless, local Christians expressed feelings of isolation, characterizing their situation as precarious.

In response to the violence allegations, the Syrian presidency has begun forming an independent committee to investigate civilian deaths and ensure accountability for those responsible.

Human rights advocates have urged for both national and international entities to be allowed access to conduct independent investigations, particularly in the coastal regions.

Sharaa, representing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an organization with roots connected to Al-Qaeda, has reaffirmed commitments to protect Syria's minority groups amid ongoing unrest.

Nonetheless, experts have expressed concerns regarding the new regime's ability to govern effectively amid the chaos, suggesting that the ongoing militia turbulence indicates inadequate control over the new Syrian army.

Iran's foreign ministry has publicly rejected allegations of its involvement in the recent unrest, declaring such claims baseless.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Turkey's support for Syria, advocating for peace and recovery among its diverse ethnic and sectarian communities.