Damascus: The Syrian presidency announced on Sunday the formation of an independent national commission to probe the recent violent incidents in the port cities of Latakia and Tartus. Last week, the coastal governorates of Latakia and Tartus witnessed coordinated attacks by remnants of the Assad regime, marking the most intense assaults since the regime's collapse. These attacks targeted security patrols and checkpoints, resulting in casualties.
According to Anadolu Agency, in response to the attacks, security forces and the military launched operations against the attackers, leading to intense clashes. Government officials have confirmed the restoration of security and stability in the coastal cities and have begun efforts to track down the attackers and former regime officers hiding in rural areas and mountains.
Sunday's presidential statement announced the formation of a seven-member commission tasked with investigating the reasons, circumstances, and context of the events. The commission will look into violations against civilians and identify those responsible, as well as investigate attacks on public institutions, security personnel, and the military. Those found responsible will be held accountable and referred to the judiciary.
The statement called for all relevant government bodies to cooperate fully with the commission to complete its tasks. The presidency has granted the committee the right to seek assistance from any individuals it deems necessary for its work and has set a deadline of 30 days from the decision's issuance for the committee to submit its report to the presidency.
President Ahmad Al-Sharaa announced the formation of a 'Supreme Committee for Civil Peace,' which is tasked with directly engaging residents of the coastal region to hear their concerns, provide assistance, and safeguard their security. He warned of attempts by remnants of the former regime and unnamed external actors to incite strife and drag the country into civil war.
Reaffirming Syria's resilience, Al-Sharaa declared the nation's intent to resist any foreign or domestic forces aiming to destabilize the country. He stated that there would be no leniency toward Assad loyalists who have committed crimes against military, state institutions, and civilians.
Al-Sharaa emphasized the importance of civil peace and rejected any attempts to incite division. He urged regional and international powers to support Syria during this critical moment, calling on all nations to respect Syria's unity and sovereignty.
Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December, the new Syrian authorities launched an initiative to settle the status of former regime members in the military and security forces. This initiative required them to surrender weapons and remain untainted by bloodshed. While many accepted the initiative, some armed groups in the coastal region, where high-ranking Assad officers were stationed, rejected it. These groups have fled to mountainous areas, causing tensions and launching attacks against government forces in recent weeks.
Bashar Assad, who led Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.