Escalating violence in Syria’s coastal region sparks international concern

Violence has been intensifying along Syria’s coast in recent days, prompting widespread international concern.

However, contrary to reports circulating on social media and in some international media outlets, the United Nations stated that it has not deployed any fact-finding or investigative mission to the region, and added that such missions can only be authorized by the UN Human Rights Council or the UN Security Council.

Read more: Al-Sharaa: Alawite killings threaten unity, vows to punish those responsible

The Syrian Foreign Ministry, in its memorandum to international missions published on Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), accused remnants of the previous regime, supported by foreign entities, of launching a violent attack on the coastal region on March 6.

The armed groups temporarily seized municipal administrations and besieged six hospitals during the assault.

Additionally, government forces faced repeated ambushes from militias loyal to the former regime as they advanced toward Latakia.

Reports also indicated that some individuals were killed simply because their license plates indicated they were from Idlib.

Despite the UN not deploying an official mission, Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, a spokesperson for the Syrian Ministry of Defense, confirmed that the ministry has enacted new strategies to combat these remnants.

He emphasized that the Syrian government will not tolerate any threats to national security or the resurgence of criminal cells. Colonel Ghani also noted that while no UN mission was in the area as claimed, the Syrian government is committed to investigating the situation thoroughly and seeking justice for the victims.

Special investigation committee formed

On the political front, Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for the bloodshed of civilians or for abusing state authority for personal gain. He vowed, “No one will be above the law, and anyone whose hands are stained with the blood of Syrians will face justice sooner or later.”

In response to the violence, the Syrian presidency has formed a special investigation committee to identify and bring those responsible for violations against civilians to justice. Another committee has been established to maintain civil peace, engage with residents of the Syrian coast, and foster national unity during this critical time.

Security Council meeting

Diplomats have reported that both the United States and Russia have called for a UN Security Council meeting to address the growing violence in Syria.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed Washington’s strong support for Syria's religious and ethnic minorities, including Christian, Druze, Alawite, and Kurdish communities. He condemned the involvement of “radical Islamic terrorists, including foreign jihadists,” in the attacks in western Syria and urged the temporary Syrian authorities to hold accountable those responsible for massacres against minorities.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Baro also expressed concern, stating that he had discussed the situation with Syrian counterpart Asaad Al-Shaibani, reaffirming France’s commitment to ensuring those responsible for the violence are held accountable.