Syria's new caretaker government declared the end of a military operation against Bashar al-Assad loyalists, marking the worst violence since the civil war's end. Clashes erupted after an attack on a police patrol, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths. The government struggles to assert authority and reach political agreements. Defence Ministry spokesperson warned of consequences for returning loyalists. Interim President condemned attacks on Alawite civilians and announced an investigation. The European Commission and US Secretary of State expressed concern and demanded accountability for the violence.