UN probe reveals March coastal Syria massacres may constitute war crimes
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The wave of violence that swept through Syria’s coastal and western central regions in March may amount to war crimes, the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria said on Thursday.
In its latest report, the Commission said the attacks targeted the Alawite community and escalated into a massacre carried out by forces of the Syrian transitional government, allied militants, and fighters loyal to the Assad regime.
“The scale and brutality of the violence documented in our report is deeply disturbing,” said Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, Chair of the Commission.
Pinheiro urged the Syrian authorities to expand accountability measures beyond the dozens of alleged perpetrators already arrested, stressing that all those responsible—regardless of affiliation or rank—must face justice.
“We call on the interim authorities to continue to pursue accountability for all perpetrators, regardless of affiliation or rank,” he added. “While dozens of alleged perpetrators of violations have reportedly since been arrested, the scale of the violence documented in our report warrants expanding such efforts.”
The report detailed widespread murder, torture, desecration of the dead, looting, and the burning of homes, which displaced tens of thousands of civilians.
According to investigators, some factions recently incorporated into the transitional government’s security forces carried out systematic extrajudicial killings, torture, and ill-treatment in multiple Alawite-majority villages and neighborhoods.
On March 6, the Syrian coastal region, particularly Latakia Governorate, experienced intense clashes between the Syrian security forces and armed groups loyal to the ousted Assad regime.
The clashes erupted when pro-Assad insurgents launched coordinated attacks in areas like Jableh, leading to significant casualties among security personnel. In response, the government forces deployed reinforcements, including airstrikes targeting insurgent positions.
The clashes resulted in about 1,400 deaths, with approximately 745 civilians killed, many from the Alawite community. The conflict has also caused mass displacement and heightened sectarian tensions, challenging the new government’s efforts to stabilize the region.
The Commission reiterated its calls for de-escalation, dialogue, and the protection of human rights for all Syrians, along with strict adherence to international humanitarian law, unimpeded humanitarian access, and full accountability for violations.