UN Condemns Violence in Syria’s Coastal Region, Calls for Accountability
Adam Abdelmoula clarified that the UN has not dispatched a fact-finding mission to Syria, contradicting claims circulating on social media and some international outlets.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Syria’s coastal region, urging accountability for all perpetrators and the protection of civilians, as clashes continue to claim lives.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk emphasized the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the reported atrocities, welcoming the interim government’s decision to form an independent commission of inquiry.
“All those responsible for violations must be held accountable, regardless of their affiliations, in accordance with international law,” Türk said in a statement, stressing that victims and their families have the right to justice and redress.
To prevent further violations, he also underscored the importance of ensuring that the integration of armed groups into Syria’s military structures aligns with human rights and humanitarian law, particularly addressing past and recent abuses.
Condemnation of Violence and Civilian Targeting
In a separate statement, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, strongly condemned the ongoing violence, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. He urged all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from targeting civilians and vital infrastructure.
Abdelmoula also clarified that the UN has not dispatched a fact-finding mission to Syria’s coastal areas, contradicting claims circulating on social media and some international outlets. He reaffirmed that such investigations require official mandates from the UN Human Rights Council or the Security Council.
“Our efforts remain focused on delivering life-saving humanitarian aid to those in dire need while ensuring the safety and security of UN staff, humanitarian workers, and their families,” Abdelmoula added.
Over 100 Civilians Documented Killed
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported that violence has continued at an alarming scale in the coastal region since March 6, documenting at least 111 civilian deaths so far. However, officials acknowledged that the actual death toll is likely much higher.
During a press briefing in Geneva, UN spokesperson Thameen Khaitan noted that many of the documented cases involved summary executions, appearing to be sectarian in nature. He stated that the killings occurred in Latakia, Tartus, and Hama at the hands of unidentified armed groups and forces reportedly linked to both the interim government’s security forces and remnants of the former regime.
Families Executed in Targeted Killings
OHCHR described the situation as “deeply alarming,” citing multiple instances where entire families—including women, children, and non-combatants—were executed, particularly in Alawite-majority villages.
Eyewitness accounts gathered by the UN suggest that attackers raided homes, asking residents about their sectarian identity before deciding their fate. Survivors reported that many men were shot in front of their families.
Between March 6 and 7, reports also emerged of former pro-Assad militias attacking hospitals in Latakia, Tartus, and Baniyas, clashing with interim government security forces. The assaults left dozens of civilians dead, including patients, doctors, and medical students, and inflicted damage on medical facilities.
Looting and Displacement Amid Chaos
Beyond the killings, the UN has documented widespread looting in the affected areas, with unidentified individuals exploiting the chaos to ransack homes and businesses.
Many civilians have fled their homes, seeking refuge in rural areas, while reports indicate that others have gathered at a Russian-controlled airbase, fearing further escalation.
The interim government declared an end to military operations in the coastal region on March 10, yet sporadic clashes are still being reported.
Rising Hate Speech and Misinformation
The UN warned that tensions have been further inflamed by hate speech and misinformation, both online and in public discourse. Officials noted that misleading footage and out-of-context videos have exacerbated fear and instability.
“We are deeply concerned that the surge in hate speech and misinformation will further destabilize Syria’s fragile social fabric,” OHCHR stated.
The UN continues to monitor the situation closely, calling on all parties to uphold humanitarian principles and ensure the protection of civilians in Syria’s volatile coastal region.
