Syrian Government Concludes Security Operation in Coastal Region
The Syrian government has announced the end of a security operation in the country’s western coastal region, an area known for its loyalty to former leader Bashar al-Assad, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence in Damascus.
On Monday, spokesperson Hassan Abdul Ghani declared that security threats in the provinces of Latakia and Tartous had been neutralized. The operation followed days of deadly violence that reportedly claimed thousands of lives, including many civilians, and drew international concern.
“Having achieved the neutralization of security threats, we announce the end of the military operation,” said Ghani. He added that security forces had successfully absorbed attacks from remnants of the toppled regime and its officers, pushing them away from “vital” locations.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Monday that nearly 1,500 people had been killed since last Thursday. The majority of the victims were said to be civilians killed by security forces and allied groups in the heartland of the Alawite minority, to which former President Bashar al-Assad belongs. Al Jazeera has not independently verified these figures.
Interim Leader Pledges Accountability
Syria’s interim leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), pledged on Sunday to pursue those responsible for the violent clashes. He vowed to hold accountable anyone who overstepped the authority of the new government. Al-Sharaa’s office also announced the formation of an independent committee to investigate the clashes and killings carried out by both sides.
Abdul Ghani stated on Monday that security forces would fully cooperate with the investigation, providing access to uncover the circumstances of the events, verify the facts, and ensure justice for the victims.
“We were able to absorb the attacks from the remnants of the former regime and its officers. We shattered their element of surprise and managed to push them away from vital centers, securing most of the main roads,” he said.
Escalating Instability
Despite initial calm following al-Assad’s fall in December, instability and violence have been on the rise in Syria. Security forces recently repelled an attack on a checkpoint in Damascus, arresting two assailants while others managed to escape. The attackers were reportedly targeting a government building, though their affiliation remains unclear.
The fighting on the Mediterranean coast began last week when pro-Assad forces launched coordinated attacks against the new government’s security forces. This sparked revenge killings as thousands of armed supporters of the new leadership descended on coastal areas. Estimates suggest around 1,000 civilians were killed in indiscriminate attacks, including reports of brutal murders. The government later sent reinforcements to Latakia and Tartous to regain control.
Iran Denies Involvement
Iran, a long-standing ally of al-Assad, denied any role in the violence. Media outlets, including Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV, had suggested that Iran and its regional allies were behind the unrest. Al-Sharaa had earlier blamed the violence on “attempts by the remnants of the toppled regime and foreign parties behind them to create renewed sedition and pull our country into civil war.”
However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, dismissed these accusations as “completely ridiculous and rejected,” calling them “100 percent misleading.” He condemned attacks on minorities in Syria, including Alawites, Christians, and Druze, emphasizing that such violence “truly wounded the emotions and conscience of both the countries of the region and internationally.”
Iran had supported al-Assad during Syria’s civil war and provided military advisers. However, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Friday that Tehran has been an “observer” of the situation in Syria since the HTS takeover and has no relationship with the current Syrian government.
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