Syria’s Interim President Launches Probe into Deadly Clashes with Alawite Militants

Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has established investigative committees to examine the recent surge of violence between security forces and Alawite loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad. The clashes, which erupted after an ambush on a government security patrol near Latakia, have resulted in over 1,000 deaths, according to war monitors.

The attack, carried out by pro-Assad Alawite militants, quickly escalated into widespread conflict, marking the deadliest violence in Syria since December. Reports indicate that insurgents, including Sunni militant factions, retaliated by targeting Alawite communities, leading to numerous revenge killings. The security situation worsened as the armed groups seized Qardaha, Assad’s hometown, before government forces launched a counteroffensive.

Colonel Hassan Abdel-Ghani, spokesperson for the Syrian Defense Ministry, announced that state security has regained control of the coastal region and is actively pursuing those responsible for the insurgency. However, human rights organizations estimate that hundreds of civilians, predominantly Alawites, have been killed in the crossfire, with many falling victim to sectarian-driven attacks.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that at least 745 civilians, 125 government security personnel, and 148 pro-Assad militants have lost their lives.

Syria’s interim government, now under Sunni Islamist leadership, has pledged to transition toward a more inclusive political system. Al-Sharaa, a former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), assured that all religious and ethnic groups would be represented under a future electoral framework. However, skepticism remains about whether true reforms will be implemented.

In a national address, Al-Sharaa condemned the violence and promised accountability for those involved in civilian massacres and prisoner mistreatment. He accused remnants of the Assad regime and foreign backers of fueling instability. To ensure transparency, he has appointed a judicial committee to investigate the incidents and hold perpetrators accountable.