Activists: Nearly 700 dead in Syrian rebel clashes

BEIRUT — Rebel-on-rebel clashes have killed nearly 700 people over the past nine days in northern Syria in the worst bout of infighting among the opponents of President Bashar Assad since the country’s civil war began, activists said Sunday.

The fighting, which pits the al-Qaida-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant against several Islamist and more moderate rebel brigades, has added yet another layer of complexity to Syria’s nearly 3-year conflict, while also overshadowing the broader battle against the government over the past week.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights activist group said Sunday that at least 697 people have been killed across seven provinces since the rebel infighting began Jan. 3. The toll includes 351 fighters from the Islamist and mainstream opposition brigades, 246 from the “Islamic State,” and 100 civilians.

The “Islamic State” muscled its way into opposition-held territory in northern Syria last spring, co-opting some weaker rebel brigades and crushing others. Initially welcomed by some residents for bringing a measure of order, the extremist group over time alienated many other rebel factions and large chunks of the civilian population by using brutal tactics to implement its strict interpretation of Islamic law. It has also kidnapped and killed its opponents.

The rebel infighting comes less than two weeks ahead of a planned international conference in Switzerland that aims to broker a political solution to the Syrian civil war. But the prospects for success at the peace talks appear slim at best, and it remains unclear whether they will indeed take place.

Assad has said he will not hand over power, while the Western-backed opposition in exile, known as the Syrian National Coalition, is in disarray and not yet decided whether it will attend the gathering. Even if it does, it is in no position to wrest concessions from Assad, whose forces have seized the momentum in recent months.

At the start of two days of meetings Sunday in Paris, top envoys from 11 countries that support the Coalition were pressuring the group to attend the peace conference, saying the talks were the only way to end the carnage.

In Damascus, meanwhile, Assad made a rare public appearance, attending prayers at the al-Hamad Mosque to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. Syrian state TV broadcast video of Assad shaking hands with a crowd of admirers as he walked through the mosque.

While the rebel war-within-a-war has grabbed the spotlight over the past nine days, the fight against the government has raged on across the country.

In the central city of Homs, government shelling killed more than 20 people Saturday in the rebel-held Waer neighborhood, the Observatory said. It warned that the death toll could rise because dozens of people were critically wounded in the bombardment.

Another activist group, the Local Coordination Committees, also reported the shelling in Waer.

Syrian rebels also have targeted towns and neighborhoods loyal to Assad with indiscriminate mortar fire. On Sunday, Syria’s state media said rebel-fired mortar shells killed two people in the pro-government Zahra area of Homs.

The Syrian conflict began in March 2011 with largely peaceful protests against Assad before shifting into an armed insurgency after a brutal government crackdown. It has killed more than 120,000 people, forced more than 2 million to flee the country and devastated the nation’s cities, economy and social fabric.

In Damascus, United Nations humanitarian chief Valerie Amos called on the international community to do more to help Syrians suffering from the conflict.

“The world must do more for all the people who are displaced,” Amos said. “Many families are living in abandoned buildings, schools or in makeshift shelters, without enough food, clean water or medicine. We must help them to get through this very cold winter.”

Amos was in Damascus for talks with government officials ahead of a donors’ conference in Kuwait set to open Wednesday for Syrian humanitarian relief.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Police Cmdr. Scott King answers questions about the Flock Safety license plate camera system on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mountlake Terrace approves Flock camera system after public pushback

The council approved the $54,000 license plate camera system agreement by a vote of 5-2.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

x
$14.5M property tax levy lid lift moves forward in Edmonds

After a public hearing, the City Council voted 5-2 to place the resolution on next week’s consent agenda for final approval.

Mikki Burkholder, left, and Sean Seifert pull drafts Friday afternoon at 5 Rights Brewery in Marysville on October 8, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
5 Rights celebrates 10 years in Marysville

During a challenging time for the US craft beer industry, 5 Rights continues to enjoy growth and an uptick in sales.

Wine is illuminated on a large win rack at the center of the main room at Long Shadows Woodinville Tasting Room & Key Club Lounge on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 in Woodinville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Two winery restaurants in Woodinville stand out

You wouldn’t expect to get world-class pizza at a winery,… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.