syrian-interim-president-vows-justice-for-violence

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to hold those responsible for the recent violence in the coastal areas accountable. He accused remnants of the former regime of orchestrating attacks on security forces and civilians to destabilise the country.

 

In a televised address, al-Sharaa condemned the killings in Latakia and Tartous provinces. He blamed the violence on groups linked to the previous government and their foreign allies, saying they were attempting to incite sectarian tensions.

 

He assured that anyone involved in crimes, whether against security forces or civilians, would be brought to justice.

 

Al-Sharaa also criticised any attempts to divide the country, warning against foreign intervention or internal conflicts. He emphasised that Syria would remain united through the determination of its people and the strength of its military.

 

To address public concerns, the interim president announced the formation of a High Committee for Civil Peace. The committee will work directly with local communities in the coastal regions to maintain stability and prevent further unrest.

 

The growing violence has drawn international concern. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, strongly condemned the killings of civilians.

 

He called for a thorough investigation into the reported executions of non-combatants, urging that those responsible be held accountable.

 

Turk highlighted disturbing reports of entire families, including women and children, being killed. He stressed the need for a fair and credible justice system to address these crimes at the national level.

 

Clashes erupted on Thursday in Latakia and Tartous between Syrian security forces and armed groups opposed to the interim government. The situation escalated, prompting additional military and interior ministry units to be deployed in the region.

 

On Friday night, local authorities imposed a curfew as tensions rose. The interim defence ministry also announced road closures to prevent further violence.

 

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, reported that 745 civilians had lost their lives in the recent violence in coastal Syria. The situation remains tense, with concerns growing over further escalation in the coming days.