Syrian government forces and allied factions likely committed war crimes during a March crackdown on Alawite communities along Syria’s coast, according to a new report by a United Nations (U.N.) investigative body released Thursday.
The report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria found “widespread and systematic” violence against civilians carried out by certain government-affiliated factions.
The report named units including the 62nd Division (Sultan Suleiman Shah Brigade), 76th Division (Hamza Division), and 400th Division. Although all are linked to the new Syrian army, the commission found no evidence that central authorities ordered the attacks.
“The Commission found that violations, including acts that likely amount to crimes, including war crimes, were perpetrated by both pro-former government fighters and interim government force members, as well as by private individuals,” the report reads. “These acts included murder, torture, abductions, and inhumane acts related to the treatment of the dead, as well as pillage and property destruction, including related to medical facilities.”
According to the report around 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed during the violence.
The commission said its findings emphasize the need for accountability for all perpetrators, regardless of affiliation or rank, along with renewed efforts to prevent future violations, initiate reparations, and restore trust with affected communities.
The attacks against Alawite communities came three months after former President Bashar Assad’s ouster. The government framed the operation as a security measure aimed at rooting out insurgents and stabilizing the region.
In response to the report, Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said the government would take U.N. recommendations into account, including screening security force recruits and boosting minority representation.
When asked what actions the government would take against groups identified as responsible for attacks on civilians, Ibrahim Olabi, legal advisor to the Foreign Ministry, said it is too early to provide details but stressed that the government is working to ensure accountability and prevent future violations.
