Amnesty International has urged the Syrian interim government to authorize an independent investigation into the recent violence along Syria's Mediterranean coast. The clashes, which erupted between the new Islamist leadership in Damascus and loyalists of the ousted ruler Bashar al-Assad, have resulted in significant civilian casualties. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 1,068 civilians were killed during these confrontations, with accusations of executions and ethnic cleansing in areas predominantly inhabited by the Alawite minority.
The new Syrian leadership, spearheaded by the HTS militia under Ahmed al-Sharaa, captured Damascus on December 8, forcing Assad to flee to Russia. Despite pledges to protect minorities, the conflict has seen severe violence, including the targeting of children. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have called for transparency and accountability, highlighting the need for a neutral and impartial inquiry.
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced severe penalties for those responsible for the violence and established a committee to promote civil peace. However, skepticism remains regarding the independence of any domestic investigations. International figures, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, have echoed the call for an impartial probe, while the international community continues to scrutinize Syria's handling of the crisis.
The violence has left deep scars on the civilian population, with reports of entire towns being destroyed. As international pressure mounts, the Syrian government faces the challenge of ensuring justice and addressing human rights concerns amid ongoing unrest.
