UN Security Council Condemns Violence in Syria’s Coastal Region, Calls for Accountability
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously approved a statement condemning the large-scale violence in Syria’s coastal region, calling for accountability and urging the country’s interim authorities to protect all citizens, regardless of ethnic or religious background.
According to diplomats quoted by Reuters, the statement—jointly drafted by Russia and the United States—was agreed upon on Thursday and is expected to be officially adopted later today, Friday.
The UNSC statement emphasizes the need for Syria’s transitional government to prosecute those responsible for mass killings and urges all countries to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, avoiding actions that could further destabilize the country.
Over the past week, Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus—historically strongholds of the Alawite community—have witnessed violent clashes between the new Ministry of Defense forces and armed groups allegedly linked to the former government.
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 1,383 civilians, mostly from the Alawite community, have been killed in the violence since March 6. The clashes mark one of the deadliest escalations since the political transition began following the fall of the Baathist regime.
Syria’s transitional president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, acknowledged that the mass killings pose a serious challenge to national unity efforts. He vowed to hold all perpetrators accountable, including members of his own administration if necessary.
“The mass killing of members of the Alawite community is a direct threat to my mission of unifying Syria,” al-Sharaa stated. “We will pursue justice and punish those responsible, regardless of their affiliations.”
The transitional government has launched a fact-finding commission to investigate the violence, pledging to deliver its findings within a month. On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for accountability, labeling the perpetrators as “extremist terrorists” and reaffirming Washington’s commitment to protecting Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities.
The developments in the coastal region raise concerns about Syria’s fragile stability as the country navigates its post-conflict transition. While international actors urge accountability, the political and security challenges remain immense.
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has closely monitored the situation, emphasizing the importance of justice and inclusive governance. Officials in northeast Syria have long advocated for a decentralized political solution, warning that unresolved sectarian tensions could hinder the country’s democratic transition.
As Syria moves forward, the question remains whether its transitional leadership can ensure justice while maintaining national cohesion. The UN’s call for accountability signals growing international scrutiny over how the new authorities handle post-conflict governance and reconciliation.