On Friday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 162 individuals loyal to Bashar al-Assad have had their death sentences carried out. The day before, Assad’s forces launched an unexpected attack on the country’s newly formed government security forces, resulting in numerous casualties. Following the attack, Syrian forces began operations against rebel groups from the Alawite community, executing death sentences on captured rebels immediately. Ahmed al-Shara stated, “You have attacked all Syrians and committed unforgivable crimes.” The clashes that erupted between rebels and government forces on Thursday led to the deaths of more than 250 people.