Germany urges Syria to prevent further violence escalation

Germany's Foreign Ministry urged all parties in Syria to avoid escalating violence after over 200 people died in recent clashes. Fighting erupted between government forces and fighters loyal to ousted leader Bashar al-Assad along the coastal region. The violence followed attacks on government security forces by Assad loyalists. In response, fighters supporting the new government retaliated, resulting in significant casualties on both sides, including government forces and Assad loyalists. Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa called on pro-Assad fighters to surrender and emphasized the need to control weapons. The ongoing clashes represent the worst violence since the fall of Assad's government in December.