Pafos: The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Syria’s coastal region, where at least 111 civilians have been confirmed killed since 6 March, though the actual toll is believed to be significantly higher.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, many of these killings appear to be summary executions carried out on a sectarian basis in Tartus, Latakia, and Hama governorates. The perpetrators include unidentified armed individuals, members of armed groups allegedly supporting the caretaker authorities’ security forces, and elements associated with the former government.
“In several distressing instances, entire families-including women, children, and individuals hors de combat-were executed,” said Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “Many survivors reported that attackers raided homes, asking residents whether they were Alawite or Sunni before deciding their fate. Some men were reportedly shot dead in front of their families.”
Between 6 and 7 March, individuals reportedly affiliated with the former government’s security forces also raided hospitals in Latakia, Tartus, and Baniyas, clashing with caretaker authorities’ forces. The violence resulted in dozens of civilian casualties, including patients, doctors, and medical students, as well as extensive damage to medical facilities.
In addition to targeted killings, the UN documented widespread looting of homes and businesses by unidentified individuals. Many civilians have fled their homes, with some seeking refuge in rural areas or at a Russian-controlled airbase in the region. While the caretaker authorities declared the end of security operations on 10 March, sporadic clashes persist.
The UN also warned of the growing impact of hate speech and misinformation, both online and offline, which has further inflamed sectarian tensions. ‘This spike in hate speech and misinformation risks deepening divisions and threatening Syria’s fragile social fabric,’ Al-Kheetan noted.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Trk has urged accountability for all crimes committed and welcomed the caretaker authorities’ announcement of an independent investigation. However, he stressed the need for the probe to be “prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial.”
To prevent further atrocities, the UN emphasized that any integration of armed factions into Syria’s military structures must fully adhere to international human rights and humanitarian law, ensuring accountability for all those involved in past or ongoing violations.