Syrian leader calls on Assad loyalists to hand over weapons

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa on Friday accused the ousted leader Bashar al-Assad’s loyalists of committing “an unforgivable crime” and warns them to hand over their weapons “before it is too later” following deadly clashes in several areas.

“By committing the heinous act of killing those who protect Syria and stay vigilant in its service, by storming hospitals and terrorizing the innocent, you have assaulted all Syrians,” Sharaa said in a video message.

“In doing so, you have committed an unforgivable crime. And now, you have received a response that you cannot endure. Surrender your weapons and yourselves before it is too late,” he added.

State security forces were deployed to Alawite-majority areas along Syria’s western coast after attacks and ambushes by armed men loyal to the toppled regime on Thursday. The numbers of people reported killed has been rapidly rising and now stands at 154, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

German and European Union envoys to Syria on Friday called on state forces and armed groups to reach a “peaceful solution” and exit “cycles of violence and hatred.”

Damascus-linked security forces have been accused of committing human rights violations during the latest unrest.

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