Russia seeks US cooperation on Syria to address violence: Nebenzia
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The diplomatic outreach follows a week of intense clashes in Syria's coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, where fighting between forces of the new administration and armed opposition groups has resulted in significant casualties.
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New Syrian security forces reinforcement deploy in the outskirts of Latakia, Syria, Friday, March 7, 2025 (AP Photo/Omar Albam)
Russia has approached the United States to coordinate efforts in addressing the latest surge of violence in Syria through the United Nations Security Council, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia confirmed to RIA Novosti on Monday.
When asked about engagement with US diplomats, Nebenzia responded, "Yes," and added that "Russian diplomats have initiated the joint efforts."
The diplomatic outreach follows a week of intense clashes in Syria's coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, where fighting between forces of the new administration and armed opposition groups has resulted in significant casualties.
The situation has triggered fears of wider instability, prompting international concern.
Syrian Government Declares End of Military Operation
The Ministry of Defense of the new Syrian administration announced earlier today that its military campaign in the coastal region had concluded, claiming that public institutions had resumed operations.
According to the ministry's statement, the operation successfully dismantled "former regime security cells and members" in Tartus and Latakia. The ministry also warned individuals affiliated with the former administration, stating, "If you return, we will return, and we will not back down."
Despite this declaration, the humanitarian toll remains severe. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that over 1,000 people have been killed in the recent violence, including nearly 700 civilians, with most deaths attributed to new administration forces. The Syrian Network for Human Rights separately documented at least 125 civilian deaths caused by state troops.
The transitional Syrian leadership, under President Ahmad al-Sharaa, has ordered an independent national committee to investigate the events. Addressing the nation, al-Sharaa described the crisis as "deliberate schemes to sow discord and instability in the country," stressing that the "deep wounds" left by the previous regime would not be easily healed.
International Involvement
With the situation still fragile, the international community has taken steps to assess the aftermath. A UN mission has begun a field visit to affected areas, starting in Jableh. Reports indicate that while the violence has subsided, "a state of cautious calm prevails [...], particularly with the withdrawal of foreign fighters from these areas."
However, deep concerns persist. Some displaced civilians remain too fearful to return to their homes, with local sources reporting that "many residents are still wandering in the wilderness and forests, afraid to return after the massacres that took place."
Meanwhile, refugees at the Russian Hmeimim airbase have refused to leave, demanding international protection due to threats from armed groups linked to General Security.
Read more: Syria's al-Sharaa claims accountability amid ongoing mass killings
