Latakia: A Syrian investigation committee announced on Tuesday that it has inspected nine locations and heard testimonies related to recent violence in the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartus in western Syria. The committee's efforts are part of an ongoing investigation into coordinated attacks that have destabilized the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, Yasser Farhan, a spokesman for the committee, shared at a press conference that the committee has recorded 95 statements following legal protocols and received more than 30 reports. Farhan emphasized that it is still premature to reveal the findings of the investigation, as the committee continues its efforts to gather testimonies and examine the situation on the ground.

Farhan called for cooperation to uncover the truth, noting that remnants of the former regime were present near the areas under investigation. He highlighted the dangerous conditions in these areas, mentioning that some witnesses and victims' families are hesitant to communicate with the committee due to safety concerns. The possibility of establishing a special court to pursue those involved in the violence was also mentioned by Farhan, who acknowledged that completing the mission within the initial 30-day timeframe might be challenging, thus an extension may be requested.

The coastal cities of Latakia and Tartus experienced their most intense assaults since the collapse of the Assad regime on March 6, when coordinated attacks by loyalists of the deposed regime targeted security patrols and checkpoints, leading to casualties. Following the regime's collapse in December, new Syrian authorities initiated a settlement process for former regime members in the military and security forces, contingent on their surrendering weapons and maintaining a clean slate regarding bloodshed.

While many accepted the settlement initiative, some armed groups composed of regime remnants, particularly in the coastal region, rejected it. These groups have since retreated to mountainous areas, causing instability and launching sporadic attacks against government forces. The end of Bashar al-Assad's nearly 25-year rule came when he fled to Russia on December 8, 2024, marking the conclusion of the Baath Party regime that had been in power since 1963.