Syrian President Calls for National Unity Amidst Sectarian Violence

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa appealed for "national unity" on Sunday, March 9, following three days of unprecedented regional clashes since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The clashes have resulted in over 1,000 deaths, primarily among Alawite civilians. The interim president's appeal comes as forces of the new administration in Damascus conduct a crackdown in coastal areas dominated by the Alawite minority. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 745 Alawite civilians have been killed, many in a "sectarian massacre" in Latakia, Tartous, Hama, and Homs provinces. Additionally, at least 273 members of the security forces and pro-Assad fighters have died. Violence erupted on Thursday after Alawite insurgents loyal to Assad launched an attack against security forces in Latakia, triggering a campaign of violence.