Syria's interim president urges unity during violence

Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, called for unity amid ongoing violence that has killed over 1,000 people in coastal provinces. He urged calm and reassured citizens about the country's stability during a speech in Damascus. Fighting has intensified between al-Shara's government forces and loyalists of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad. Reports indicate that government forces are using drones, tanks, and artillery in their operations against armed groups in Latakia and Tartus. The recent clashes have raised concerns about renewed sectarian conflict, particularly affecting the Alawite minority. Casualty figures include around 700 civilians, with many deaths attributed to government forces, according to monitoring groups.