Hundreds reported dead in wake of clash in Syria

With all of the problems in American politics these days, it can be easy to lose perspective of the idea that this is still the greatest country in the world. For anyone who's forgotten that fact, what just happened in Syria will prove as a grim reminder.

Hundreds of Syrians have been killed or wounded in clashes between the security forces and supporters of former President Bashar al Assad.

CNN is calling it the worst outbreak of unrest since Syria's transitional government took power.

Clashes broke out on March 6 in the Latakia and Tartous regions on the Mediterranean coast of Syria.

In these areas, support for Assad is strong among Syrian Alawites, leading to outbreaks of violence over the past three months.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) said on Friday that over 225 people were killed on March 6 and March 8.

The U.K.-based organization indicated that over half of these people who died were innocent civilians.

SNHR reported that "government forces committed 'widespread field executions' of young men and adult males 'without clear distinction between civilians and others.'"

CNN said that it could not independently verify the death figures and has reached out to the Syrian government for comment regarding the death toll.

Syria's government indicated that an "emergency committee" is monitoring violations and will "refer those who exceeded command instructions during the recent military and security operation to the military court."

At least 150 Syrian government security forces are believed to have been killed since March 6, and another 300 have been captured.

Assad, his family, his supporters, and his security forces are believed to be behind the brutal slaughter.

Per CNN:

The Assad family, members of the minority Alawite sect, ruled Syria for over half a century until Assad was ousted late last year by Sunni Islamist militants who sought to reshape the country’s political and sectarian order.

Syria’s Alawites – some 10% of the population – were prominent in the Assad regime, and while many Alawites have surrendered their weapons since December, many others have not.

The latest surge in violence highlights the challenges Syria’s new regime faces in appeasing disenfranchised groups, especially those that remain heavily armed.

Syria’s transitional president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, vowed in a televised speech on Friday to pursue those responsible for killing dozens of Syrian security personnel. He also urged security forces to “ensure no excessive or unjustified responses occur” following reports of many civilian casualties during clashes.

Pray for everyone involved in this terrible situation and please, remember how good we have it here in America.