Syria’s Transition: Clashes Erupt Between Islamists and Government Supporters

Clashes between Islamists who took over Syria and supporters of ousted President Bashar Assad’s government killed two Islamic fighters on Wednesday and wounded others, according to interim officials.

The details of how the fighting erupted and who instigated the confrontation were not immediately known. Interim officials in Syria said two fighters were killed from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, which led the stunning offensive that toppled Assad earlier this month.

Syria’s transition has been surprisingly smooth but it’s only been a few weeks since Assad fled the country and his administration and forces melted away. The insurgents who ousted Assad are rooted in fundamentalist Islamist ideology, and though they have vowed to create a pluralist system, it isn’t clear how or whether they plan to share power.

Since Assad’s fall, dozens of Syrians have been killed in acts of revenge, according to activists and monitors, the vast majority of them from the minority Alawite community, an offshoot of Shiite Islam that Assad belongs to.

In Damascus, Clashes Erupt Between Alawite and Sunni Protesters

In the capital, Damascus, Alawite protesters scuffled with Sunni counter-protesters and gunshots were heard. The Associated Press could not confirm details of the shooting.

sectarian Violence Continues to Worry International Community

Sectarian violence has erupted in bursts since Assad’s ouster but nothing close to the level feared after nearly 14 years of civil war that killed an estimated half-million people. The war fractured Syria, creating millions of refugees and displacing tens of thousands throughout the country.

Return of Displaced Syrians

This week, some Syrians who were forcibly displaced started trickling home, trying to rebuild their lives. Shocked by the devastation, many found that little remains of their houses.

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Idlib Region

The city of Idlib and much of the surrounding province has for years been under control of the HTS, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, once aligned with al-Qaida, but has been the scene of relentless attacks by the government forces.

Conclusion

The situation in Syria remains fluid and unpredictable, with various factions vying for power and control. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, offering support to those affected by the conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the current situation in Syria?
A: The situation in Syria is still volatile, with various factions vying for power and control.

Q: How many people have been killed in the conflict?
A: An estimated half-million people have been killed in the nearly 14-year conflict.

Q: What is the current status of President Bashar al-Assad?
A: Assad fled the country and his administration and forces melted away after being ousted by Islamist insurgents.

Q: What is the current situation in the Idlib region?
A: The city of Idlib and much of the surrounding province has been under control of the HTS, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, once aligned with al-Qaida.