Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has ordered a high-level probe into the recent deadly clashes in the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartous, vowing to hold those responsible for civilian bloodshed accountable.

The violence, which erupted between security forces and fighters loyal to ousted president Bashar al-Assad, has left hundreds dead, according to rights monitors. Speaking in a televised address on Sunday, al-Sharaa announced the formation of an independent fact-finding committee to investigate the unrest.

“We announce the formation of a fact-finding committee regarding the events on the coast and form a higher committee,” he said, stressing that Syria would not be dragged into another civil war. “Remnants of the former regime have no choice but to surrender immediately,” he warned.

The presidency later confirmed that the committee has been granted full authority to investigate violations against civilians and identify those responsible. It is expected to submit its findings within 30 days.

Violence in symbolic cities

According to reports, the clashes were particularly intense in Qardahah, the birthplace of the Assad family, and Baniyas, home to Syria’s largest oil refinery.

Fighting erupted last Thursday when pro-Assad fighters coordinated attacks on security forces, triggering a cycle of reprisal violence.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 1,000 people—mostly civilians—had been killed in the fighting, though these figures could not be independently verified. Graphic videos of executions and civilian casualties have been circulating on social media.

Al-Sharaa, addressing a gathering at a mosque in his childhood neighbourhood of Mezzeh, called for unity in the face of unrest. “We have to preserve national unity and domestic peace,” he urged.

International concern

The United Nations has voiced alarm over the violence, with human rights chief Volker Turk calling for an immediate investigation into the killings. “Those responsible must be held to account,” Turk said, urging Syrian authorities to follow through on their commitment to uphold the rule of law.

Syrian opposition figures have alleged that the attacks were backed by Iran and Hezbollah in an attempt to destabilise the post-Assad transition. Opposition politician Labib al-Nahhas described the clashes as a “major setback” for Syria’s future, but urged the new leadership to focus on reconciliation and inclusivity.

“It is the responsibility not only of the authorities but also the entire Syrian society to focus on common ground and stability,” he said.

Regional diplomacy

Meanwhile, neighbouring countries are closely monitoring the situation. A regional conference hosted by Jordan on Sunday brought together top officials from Turkiye, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon to discuss Syria’s security and post-war reconstruction.

Stability in Syria remains a pressing concern for these nations, particularly in managing refugee returns and tackling cross-border security threats. “If there is stability in Syria, the millions of refugees hosted by Turkiye and Jordan could return voluntarily,” noted Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman.

Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in December, ending over five decades of dynastic rule marked by brutal crackdowns and a civil war that has displaced millions and devastated the country’s infrastructure.