UN Expresses Concern Over Rising Tensions in Syria, Condemns All Violence
SOHR reported that at least 80 extrajudicial executions occurred in the past 24 hours
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced deep concern over the recent clashes in Syria’s coastal regions, particularly reports of extrajudicial killings and civilian casualties.
UN Calls for De-escalation and Civilian Protection
During a press briefing in New York on Friday, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that the Secretary-General strongly condemns all acts of violence in Syria and urged all parties to protect civilians and halt hostilities.
"The Secretary-General is concerned about the risk of escalating tensions among communities in Syria, at a time when reconciliation and a peaceful political transition should be the priority after 14 years of conflict," Dujarric said. "The Syrian people deserve lasting peace, prosperity, and justice."
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen expressed grave concern over reports of intensifying clashes between Syria’s interim authorities and pro-Assad militias, emphasizing the alarming number of civilian casualties.
"As we continue to verify facts on the ground, there is an urgent need for all parties to exercise restraint and ensure full respect for civilian protection in accordance with international law," Pedersen said in a statement on Friday.
He urged all sides to refrain from actions that could inflame tensions, escalate violence, worsen the suffering of affected communities, destabilize Syria, or undermine an inclusive political transition.
Human Rights Monitor: Over 150 Killed, 80 Executed in Coastal Syria
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that at least 80 extrajudicial executions occurred in the past 24 hours across three mass killings in Latakia’s countryside, Salhab, and rural Masyaf.
Since Thursday, a total of 154 people have been killed, including over 70 military personnel, according to SOHR.
Read More: Mass Executions and Clashes in Syria’s Coastal Region Leave Over 120 Dead
The Observatory’s director urged Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to establish an independent judicial committee to investigate the executions.
"If the Syrian government claims these fighters are remnants of the old regime, why did they not fight back instead of fleeing?" the SOHR director questioned.
He further stressed that addressing former regime figures like Ghayath Dalla and others should involve engaging with Syrians and the Alawite community, many of whom are now living in poverty.
"There are terrorist groups, including Ghayath Dalla’s, that are fueling the chaos. We had hoped President Sharaa would deliver a speech to reassure all Syrians and explicitly affirm that the rights of all communities are safeguarded by the Syrian state."
