The Syrian government has officially declared the conclusion of a security operation in the western coastal region, where days of intense violence had caused significant unrest.
Hassan Abdul Ghani, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence in Damascus, announced on Monday that security threats in Latakia and Tartous had been eliminated. The clashes, which resulted in heavy casualties, had drawn international concern.
“With the security threats neutralized, we are now bringing the operation to an end,” Ghani stated. “We successfully defended against attacks from remnants of the former regime and regained control of critical areas.”
Reports suggest that nearly 1,500 people lost their lives in the violence, with many civilians among the casualties. However, independent verification of these figures remains uncertain.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa has pledged to hold those responsible accountable. His administration has established an independent investigative committee to examine the events and ensure justice is served.
Abdul Ghani confirmed that security forces would fully cooperate with the inquiry, granting investigators complete access to verify the facts and provide justice for those affected.
“We have secured essential locations, including key roads, and are now focused on restoring stability and normalcy,” he added.
Growing Concerns Over Instability
Despite the end of military operations, tensions persist. Security forces in Damascus reported an attack on a government checkpoint overnight, leading to the arrest of two suspects while others escaped.
Authorities are investigating whether the attackers were linked to the former government or represented a separate group.
The recent conflict along the Mediterranean coast began when forces loyal to the previous leadership launched coordinated assaults, escalating into widespread violence. Thousands of armed supporters of the new administration mobilized in response, leading to further clashes.
Estimates suggest around 1,000 civilians lost their lives due to indiscriminate attacks, with reports of brutal acts of violence. In response, the government deployed reinforcements to regain control of affected areas.
International Reactions
Iran, a long-time ally of the former Syrian leadership, has denied any involvement in the recent events. Some media reports had suggested that Iran and its affiliated groups played a role in the violence, but Iranian officials rejected these claims.
A spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the accusations as “baseless and misleading,” emphasizing that Iran had no direct engagement with the ongoing situation.
Tehran previously supported the former government during Syria’s prolonged conflict, but Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that Iran has taken a neutral stance since the transition of power.
“We are observing developments in Syria but are not in a hurry to establish formal relations with the current administration,” Araghchi stated.
As Syria moves forward, efforts to stabilize the country continue amid ongoing concerns about security and governance in the post-conflict period.
