In a major development, Syria's interim authorities declared the end of a military operation aimed at dismantling loyalist groups and remnants of Bashar al-Assad's ousted regime.

This announcement comes in light of reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which reveal that more than 1,000 civilians, mainly from the Alawite community, have lost their lives amid escalating violence described as the worst since Assad's removal.

The conflict began in the coastal areas of Latakia and Tartus, regions historically aligned with the Alawite minority, following clashes sparked by pro-Assad gunmen confronting newly formed security forces.

Hassan Abdul Ghani, spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, confirmed the halt in operations meant to tackle security threats and diminish the influence of 'regime remnants.'

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose group played a crucial role in the overthrow of Assad, emphasized that the country would resist any slide into chaos or civil unrest.

Sharaa vowed that those responsible for the civilian deaths would be held accountable, stressing that such actions would not be condoned under his administration.

Casualty reports indicate that the violence since the operation commenced has not only impacted civilians but has also led to the deaths of 231 security personnel and 250 fighters loyal to Assad.

Residents in Jableh, a town in Latakia, reported a climate of fear instigated by armed groups, with personal accounts revealing the devastating effects of the violence, including numerous killings and mass burials.

While reports suggest a gradual return to calm, many locals remain anxious and hesitant to go outside, especially after dark.

An AFP journalist noted a significant military presence along the routes connecting Latakia and Jableh, while vehicles left behind from clashes continue to scatter the landscape.

Moreover, members of the Christian community have reportedly been impacted by the violence, with sources confirming casualties within this group.

In a sermon delivered in Damascus, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch emphasized the shared suffering among various communities, asserting that fear permeates all sects in the area.

Nonetheless, local Christians expressed feelings of isolation, describing their circumstances as unstable.

In response to the violence allegations, the Syrian presidency has begun forming an independent committee to investigate civilian casualties and hold accountable those responsible.

Human rights advocates have urged national and international organizations to be allowed to conduct independent investigations, especially in the coastal regions.

Sharaa, representing the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group with ties to Al-Qaeda, has pledged to protect Syria's minority populations amid ongoing unrest.

Despite this, experts have raised concerns about the new regime's ability to govern amid the turmoil, suggesting that the prevailing militia instability indicates a lack of control over the new Syrian army.

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

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Turkey's backing for Syria, calling for peace and recovery among its diverse ethnic and sectarian groups.