- Syrian government declares end to military operation in Latakia and Tartous.
- Nearly 1,500 reported killed, including civilians, in days of intense violence.
- Interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa vows accountability and independent investigation.
Syria’s government has officially concluded a military operation in the country’s western coastal region, a stronghold of former leader Bashar al-Assad, the Ministry of Defence in Damascus announced on Monday.
Ministry spokesperson Hassan Abdul Ghani stated on X that security threats in Latakia and Tartous provinces had been neutralised. The crackdown, which lasted several days, resulted in the deaths of thousands, including many civilians, and sparked international concern.
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“With the security threats neutralised, we declare the end of the military operation,” Ghani said. “We successfully absorbed attacks from remnants of the ousted regime and its officers, preventing their advance into vital locations.”
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, nearly 1,500 people have been killed since the clashes erupted last Thursday.
The majority of casualties were civilians, reportedly targeted by security forces and allied factions in the Alawite heartland—the sect to which Assad belonged.
Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), vowed on Sunday to track down those responsible for the deadly unrest. He also pledged accountability for anyone who acted beyond the authority of the new leadership.
In response to the bloodshed, al-Sharaa’s office announced the formation of an independent committee to investigate the clashes, including killings committed by both sides.
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Ghani confirmed that security forces would fully cooperate with the investigation, granting unrestricted access to uncover the circumstances of the conflict, verify events, and ensure justice for the victims.
“We shattered their element of surprise and pushed them away from key locations, securing most major roads,” Ghani said.
