Syria Conflict: Fierce clashes between security forces and Assad loyalists have continued for the fourth consecutive day in Syria. According to international media AP reports, civilians are being targeted and killed inside their homes. Ongoing conflict has claimed over 1,300 lives, most of whom are civilians.

Protests demanding an end to violence erupted in the capital, Damascus. Interim President Ahmed Al-Sarra urged people to remain calm as grief overwhelmed the coastal province of Latakia, where violence has been intense for days.

Conflict pits the current government forces against followers of former President Bashar al-Assad. Tragically, civilians have suffered the most in this deadly conflict. Observers say nearly 1,500 people have been killed in the past four days with armed groups reportedly entering homes and attacking residents.

Attackers claim allegiance to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) though some sources deny this. Thousands of government troops deployed to conflict zones to restore order. Helicopters, drones, and heavy artillery used to suppress Assad loyalists.

Assad’s supporters primarily belong to Alawite community which also includes Assad’s family. Amid the ongoing crisis, Interim President Ahmed Al-Sarra addressed the public in a mosque, urging peace and warning that those targeting civilians will face justice.

“This mosque has witnessed us praying in fear,” President Al-Sarra remarked. “The current events part of the challenges we had anticipated. We must protect our national unity and maintain peace to live together in harmony.”

On Sunday, human rights activists staged protests in Damascus strongly condemning the killing of civilians and demanding an end to the violence.

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Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Jordan have agreed to continue their joint efforts against militant group Islamic State. This decision followed a meeting of foreign ministers in Amman on Sunday.