The death toll in clashes in and around Latakia, Syria has surpassed one thousand. An emergency committee was established to identify potential human rights violations. Syrian President Ahmed Shaar stated, “We are facing attempts to drag Syria into a civil war,” making a call for unity. The United States and Russia have summoned the United Nations Security Council to convene today due to the escalation of violence in Syria. The number of casualties is rising in the incidents in and around Latakia, Syria. According to a statement from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the death toll has exceeded one thousand. It was noted that over 700 of the deceased were civilians shot at close range. The clashes resulted in the deaths of 148 pro-Assad elements and 125 individuals from Syrian government forces. Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, previously stated that the majority of civilians killed were Alawites. HOW DID THE EVENTS IN LATAKIA BEGIN? It is claimed that the attack by elements of the Assad regime on security forces sparked the incidents in Latakia and surrounding areas. This attack, which took place in the Jableh district of Latakia on March 6, resulted in the deaths of 11 security personnel. Following the attack, the Syrian army dispatched reinforced units consisting of hundreds of vehicles to Latakia and Tartus to apprehend Assad regime elements. An operation was initiated to capture these individuals. Starting from Friday, areas with Alawite minorities have allegedly become targets of Sunni armed forces loyal to the Syrian government. Residents of Alawite villages stated that mostly men were targeted in the attacks, being killed on the streets or in their homes, labeling the events as “revenge attacks.” Many homes belonging to Alawites were reportedly looted and set on fire. Reports indicate that thousands of people concerned for their safety have fled to nearby mountains. PRESIDENT SHAAR: EFFORTS TO DRAG SYRIA INTO CIVIL WAR Syrian President Ahmed Shaar said, “We are facing attempts to drag Syria into a civil war.” He emphasized that the remnants of the old regime have no option but to surrender, stating, “We will not allow any external or local power to drag Syria into chaos or civil war.” Ahmed Shaar mentioned that anyone harming civilians will be held accountable. EMERGENCY COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED The Syrian Ministry of Defense announced the establishment of an emergency committee to investigate possible violations that occurred during military and security operations on March 6-7 and to prosecute those responsible. The committee will meticulously examine whether command instructions were followed during the operations, and in cases where violations are identified, the perpetrators will be referred to military court. US AND RUSSIA SUMMON UN SECURITY COUNCIL The US and Russia have called for a meeting of the UN Security Council on Monday due to the escalation of violence in Syria.