DAMASCUS – At least four people were killed in fresh sectarian clashes in central Syria, local authorities confirmed on Monday, marking a resurgence of violence in a region that has remained tense since the country’s civil war.
The fighting broke out in the city of Homs, where rival armed groups exchanged gunfire following a dispute that quickly escalated into broader sectarian clashes. Security officials reported that several homes and shops were damaged during the violence, and residents fled from some neighborhoods to avoid further attacks.
Witnesses said the clashes involved long-standing tensions between local communities, which have flared intermittently despite government attempts to maintain stability in the area. Syrian forces were deployed to restore order, and checkpoints were established to prevent the violence from spreading to neighboring districts.
Authorities warned that the recent outbreak highlights the fragility of peace in Syria, where sectarian divisions continue to simmer years after major combat operations subsided. Humanitarian groups expressed concern that continued unrest could displace more civilians and disrupt efforts to rebuild war‑affected regions.
The government has pledged to investigate the incident and pursue those responsible for instigating the clashes while urging community leaders to engage in dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.