The Syrian Defense Ministry announced on Monday that it had concluded a military operation in the country’s western coastal region after days of intense fighting left hundreds dead.
According to ministry spokesman Hassan Abdul Ghani, the government arrived at the decision after they neutralized loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad in Latakia and Tartous provinces.
“Our forces have neutralized the security cells and remnants of the former regime from the town of al-Mukhtareyah, the town of al-Mazairaa, the area of al-Zobar, and other locations in Latakia province, as well as Dalia town, Tanita town, and Qadmous in Tartous province, resulting in the thwarting of threats and securing the area,” he said in a post on X.
“We are preparing for the return of normal life and working to reinforce security and stability,” Ghani added.
The recent clashes in Syria between the newly established Syrian forces and Assad’s loyalists, marks the deadliest internal conflict since Assad’s overthrow in December. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Monday that nearly 1,500 people had been killed in the violence since Thursday.
Among the fatalities, the Observatory noted, were at least 745 civilians, 125 members of the Syrian security forces, and 148 fighters loyal to Assad.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, in his first interview with an international news agency, acknowledged the scale of the bloodshed and pledged accountability.
“Syria is a state of law. The law will take its course on all,” he told Reuters. “We fought to defend the oppressed, and we won’t accept that any blood be shed unjustly, or goes without punishment or accountability, even among those closest to us,” he said.
On Sunday, Sharaa ordered the formation of an independent seven-member committee to investigate the recent incidents in Latakia and Tartous. The committee is tasked with examining the causes and context of the events, including violations against civilians and attacks on public institutions, security personnel, and the military.
The committee is required to submit its report to the presidency within 30 days.
