Damascus says investigating reports of war crimes on Syrian coast
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In a statement, the Syrian government noted that some human rights reports ignore or downplay the context in which events on the Syrian coast occurred, which affects the conclusions of investigations.
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A member of the Syrian interim security government forces stands guard at a street in Damascus, Syria on March 6, 2025. (AP)
The Syrian government responded to Amnesty International's report on the events on the Syrian coast that took place in March, including its preliminary findings, stressing that it will leave the Independent National Commission of Inquiry and Fact-Finding to evaluate the report, in accordance with the mandate, independence, and broad powers granted to it by presidential decree.
In a statement, the Syrian government noted that some human rights reports ignore or downplay the context in which events on the Syrian coast occurred, which affects the conclusions of investigations.
The government added that the unfortunate events on the coast began with a "treacherous, premeditated attack by remnants of the former regime, targeting public security forces and the army," and added that these elements committed violations against the region's residents, sometimes with sectarian motives, resulting in a temporary absence of state authority after the deaths of hundreds of personnel, leading to chaos followed by revenge killings and further violations.
The government pointed out that the National Committee has taken it upon itself to investigate these violations and issue its findings within 30 days.
The Syrian government affirmed its willingness to cooperate with human rights organizations and allow them access throughout the country, adding that these efforts are consistent with the approach to comprehensive national reconciliation based on transitional justice.
The Syrian government reiterated its full responsibility to protect all citizens, regardless of their affiliations, and to ensure their future in a state of equal citizenship with equal rights and duties.
Days ago, Amnesty International found that the events that unfolded in Syria's coastline area were "war crimes", holding Syrian interim government forces accountable for the massacres.
Amnesty International highlighted that pro-government militants killed over 100 people in the seaside city of Baniyas on March 8 and 9, 2025. The group investigated 32 incidents and determined that they were purposeful and targeted the Alawite minority.
Eyewitnesses informed Amnesty International that armed men asked victims if they were Alawites before threatening or murdering them.
In certain cases, they held them responsible for transgressions committed by the ousted regime. Authorities also compelled families to bury their loved ones in mass graves, with no religious or public rituals.
Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International's Secretary General, urged "accountability for those responsible for this horrifying wave of brutal mass killings."
Callamard added that the organization's information shows that "pro-government militias deliberately targeted Alawite civilians in horrific retaliatory attacks, executing individuals in cold blood," as the government did not interfere for two days to end the atrocities.
