Syria forms investigative committee to address sectarian killings
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The new administration has responded to the latest wave of killings with the establishment of a seven-member committee tasked with investigating the events, collecting testimonies, and verifying evidence such as video footage.
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Yaser Farhan, spokesperson for the Syrian investigation committee tasked with probing violence and revenge killing targeting the Alawite minority along the Syrian coast, holds a press conference in Damascus, Syria, March 11, 2025 (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)
Syrian authorities have launched an official investigation into a surge of deadly violence in the country's coastal region, vowing to uphold justice and prevent retaliatory attacks. The fact-finding committee, formed in response to the crisis, affirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability for those responsible for the bloodshed.
"The new Syria is determined to enshrine justice and the rule of law, protect the rights and freedoms of its citizens, prevent unlawful revenge and guarantee that there is no impunity," said committee spokesman Yasser al-Farhan during a press conference in Damascus.
The recent wave of violence, concentrated along Syria's Mediterranean coast, has resulted in a significant civilian death toll. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 1,093 people have been killed since Thursday, with entire families reportedly executed. The UN Human Rights Office confirmed evidence of "summary executions" that appeared to be "carried out on a sectarian basis," raising concerns over the targeted nature of the attacks.
"In a number of extremely disturbing instances, entire families -- including women, children and individuals hors de combat -- were killed, with predominantly Alawite cities and villages targeted in particular," the UN body stated.
The violence erupted in Latakia and Tartus following an attempted arrest operation that spiraled into clashes between forces of the new Syrian administration and opposition groups. The situation quickly escalated, with waves of killings primarily targeting members of the Alawite minority. The Observatory, local Christian leaders, and international observers have described the situation as a "massacre."
Mass Displacement
According to the UN, at least 111 bodies have been documented so far, including 90 men, 18 women, and three children. However, the actual toll is believed to be significantly higher, as many bodies remain unaccounted for. The chaos has forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes, with some seeking refuge in neighboring Lebanon while others have moved to rural areas or makeshift shelters in the mountains.
The new administration has responded with the establishment of a seven-member committee tasked with investigating the events, collecting testimonies, and verifying evidence such as video footage. Farhan emphasized that authorities will ensure direct channels for civilians to report information to the committee. The findings will be submitted to both the presidency and the judiciary.
Read more: UN staff in Syria relocated amid escalation of clashes on Syrian coast
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took office in December 2024 after Assad's ouster, has underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that "killings of Alawites threaten unity" and warning against further escalation. He vowed that those responsible, regardless of their affiliations, would be held accountable.
Ongoing Atrocities
The investigation will initially cover incidents from Thursday to Saturday, the period of the most intense fighting, before extending to more recent attacks. While a temporary lull was reported over the weekend, new killings have continued, with reports of civilians being executed in their homes or on the streets.
Videos shared by the Observatory and on social media depict graphic scenes of bodies piled outside houses and armed men in military attire executing people at close range. Witnesses in Latakia described security sweeps that resulted in mass arrests and disappearances, raising fears of further extrajudicial killings.
The international community has urged the Syrian administration to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have called for immediate action to prevent further sectarian bloodshed.
