Department of Research, Studies and International News 10-03-2025

Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has initiated an official investigation following deadly clashes between security forces and armed factions loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad in the coastal regions of Latakia and Tartous.

In a televised address on Sunday, al-Sharaa assured the nation that efforts to plunge Syria into another civil war would fail. “We are forming a fact-finding committee to examine recent events on the coast, alongside a higher committee,” he stated. He also urged remnants of the former regime to surrender, vowing that those responsible for civilian bloodshed would be held accountable.

The Syrian presidency confirmed the establishment of an “independent committee” to examine human rights violations and prosecute those found guilty. The committee has been given 30 days to complete its report and submit findings to the presidential office.

Escalating Violence in Key Coastal Cities

Reports indicate that the town of Qardahah, in Latakia, has become a key battleground. The significance of Qardahah stems from its historical ties to the al-Assad family, making it a symbolic stronghold of the former regime. However, another critical flashpoint is Baniyas, a city in Tartous that houses Syria’s largest oil refinery. According to security sources, pro-Assad factions have attempted multiple assaults on the refinery, raising concerns over potential economic sabotage.

Despite calls for peace, violence has escalated. Government sources report that at least 230 security personnel have been killed, while the overall death toll, predominantly civilians, continues to rise. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the conflict has already claimed over 1,000 lives. Disturbing videos circulating online depict brutal executions, though independent verification of casualty figures remains difficult.

A Nation on Edge

As the unrest persists, al-Sharaa has called for unity, addressing citizens at a mosque in his hometown of Mezzeh, Damascus. “We must safeguard our national unity and coexistence. Syria has always had the resilience to withstand crises,” he told the assembled crowd.

While al-Sharaa’s government struggles to maintain control, international figures have urged immediate action. United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk has demanded an impartial investigation into the killings and stressed that Syrian authorities must ensure justice.

Labib al-Nahhas, a Syrian opposition politician and activist, has described the recent escalation as a “major setback” for post-Assad Syria. He claims that foreign actors, particularly Iran and Hezbollah, have played a role in instigating the violence. “Iran is exploiting sectarian tensions to regain influence in Syria. But this is an opportunity for the new authorities to demonstrate a different, more inclusive leadership,”.

To stabilize the country, he emphasized the need for a strong and unified national front, centered on an inclusive transitional government. “It’s not just the responsibility of the authorities, but of all Syrians, to focus on unity and common ground.”

Meanwhile, Jordan hosted a regional summit on Sunday to discuss Syria’s future, bringing together officials from Türkiye, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria. The meeting addressed key concerns, including security challenges, refugee returns, and reconstruction efforts.

“For neighboring countries, Syrian stability is crucial,” Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman. “Türkiye and Jordan, for instance, host millions of Syrian refugees. A secure Syria could facilitate their return. Likewise, Iraq sees stability as essential in its fight against ISIS, while Jordan is particularly concerned about cross-border drug trafficking.”