Clashes in Syria's coastal areas leave over 700 dead

Clashes in Syria's coastal areas have resulted in over 700 deaths, mostly civilians, amid renewed sectarian violence. The fighting involved the new Islamist government and remnants of the former regime, marking the deadliest attack since the ousting of President Bashar Assad. The violence began when government troops attempted to apprehend Assad-linked figures, leading to coordinated attacks by loyalists. The interim government, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, claims to have regained control and has ordered allied factions to withdraw. The government has promised fair trials for those involved in the violence and has acknowledged some civilian killings were due to undisciplined factions. Reports indicate widespread looting and displacement, particularly among Alawite communities.