The number of civilian casualties as a result of military actions between the forces of the transitional government and the rebels in the Syrian provinces of Latakia, Tartus and Homs has increased from 532 to 830 in one day, the Iraqi news portal Shafaq news reported. According to it, most of the victims are from the Alawite community, whose members make up 12% of the population of the Arab Republic.
The troops of the transitional government have regained control over the coastal areas and are pursuing armed supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad in the highlands. During the operation, which has been ongoing since March 6, more than 250 militiamen have been killed. Government forces lost 231 fighters.
The armed uprising in western Syria has become the most serious challenge to the transitional government in Damascus since the change of power in the Arab republic in December 2024. Earlier, the office of the interim president of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced that the head of state had formed an independent commission to clarify the circumstances that led to the escalation of violence in the coastal provinces. According to a document published on the Telegram channel, it includes seven judges.
The commission's mandate includes investigating “violations against civilians“, “attacks against state institutions, the army and security personnel“, identifying those responsible and bringing those involved to justice.