Sharaa urges peace as Syria experiences deadly violence

Syrian interim leader Ahmed Sharaa called for peace on Sunday amid escalating violence that has resulted in over 1,000 deaths in four days. The clashes involve loyalists of deposed President Bashar al-Assad and new Islamist rulers, primarily in coastal regions. Fighting has intensified as the new government cracks down on a growing insurgency from Assad's Alawite sect. The violence marks a significant increase after months of relative calm following Assad's ouster in December. Security forces reported coordinated attacks and revenge killings, leading to further instability. Armed groups have targeted public utilities, causing widespread disruptions, while authorities have increased security measures in affected areas.