The number of fatalities from the fierce fighting between Syrian security forces and followers of former President Bashar Assad has jumped past 1,000, the bloodiest event yet in Syria’s 14-year-long conflict. A total of 745 civilians, 125 members of the security services and 148 pro-Assad fighters have been killed in the coastal area, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The clashes broke out on Thursday when security forces sought to seize a wanted person near Jableh but was ambushed by that of Assad. Tensions further spills over on Friday as Sunni operatives answerable to the new government retaliates against west Alawite territories, triggering large massacres, plundering and fires. Residents of Baniyas described bodies strewn throughout the streets, thousands of people fleeing to the surrounding mountains.
Electricity and water services were disrupted in Latakia and the surrounding regions making the humanitarian situation more complicated. Rumors say that numerous fleeing Alawite civilians have found shelter in Russia’s Hmeimim airbase, worried about further violence. 
Syria’s Defense Ministry says that state forces have retaken most conflict areas, blocking roads to maintain order. But the situation still remains highly charged, with international observers predicting more trouble ahead.
This spike in violence highlight the tenious-ness one year on of Syria’s post-Assad stability, risks of inter-sectarian violence and beg long shrift stability the country.
