Germany Urges Syria to Prevent Escalation of Violence Amid Ongoing Conflict

Germany has urged all parties in Syria to avoid escalating violence after over 200 deaths in recent clashes. The violence primarily involved opposition fighters targeting Assad loyalists in retaliation for earlier assaults. The German Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for peaceful solutions and the protection of minorities, while the interim president called for disarmament of pro-Assad fighters amid ongoing instability.

On March 8, 2025, Germany’s Foreign Ministry urged all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in Syria to prevent a “spiral of violence” following two days of fighting that resulted in over 200 fatalities. The violence intensified as fighters supporting the new authorities attacked pro-Assad villages, retaliating for prior assaults on government forces by Assad loyalists, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

The Ministry expressed shock at the death toll and advocated for peaceful resolutions, national unity, inclusive dialogue, and transitional justice to end the cycle of violence and hatred. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had previously offered support to the Syrian government under specific conditions to protect minority groups during her January visit to Damascus.

The recent unrest stemmed from a series of ambushes attributed to Assad’s loyalists against transitional government security forces. The SOHR confirmed the grim statistics: over 200 fatalities, including government officials, loyalists, and civilians. Syrian authorities have been silent on the death toll, although unnamed security officials acknowledged retaliatory actions against government forces.

Hassan Abdel Ghani, a spokesperson for the Defense Ministry, reported that government forces have regained control of several areas where attacks occurred. Additionally, Anas Khattab from the General Intelligence Service indicated that former military leaders from the defunct Assad regime were implicated in orchestrating the recent acts of violence.

In a statement broadcast via Telegram, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa called on pro-Assad fighters to surrender, asserting the necessity of consolidating weapons under state control. The ongoing clashes represent the most severe violence witnessed since the overthrow of Assad’s regime by insurgents in December, and the new government has committed to achieving national unity after years of civil strife, which has resulted in over half a million casualties and millions displaced.

The call by Germany for an end to violence in Syria underscores the urgent need for peace in a region plagued by conflict. With over 200 lives lost recently, the situation remains critical as various factions vie for power. The interim government’s commitment to unity and dialogue highlights potential pathways towards stabilization, though the presence of armed groups poses significant challenges ahead.

Original Source: www.dw.com