Syria’s Interim President Vows Accountability Amid Mass Killings and Growing Unrest

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to hold all responsible parties accountable for the recent mass killings of members of the Alawite sect, which were loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad. In an interview with Reuters on Monday, Sharaa expressed his determination to punish those involved, including his own allies if necessary, stressing that Syria is a country governed by law.

"We fought to defend the oppressed, and we won’t accept that any blood be shed unjustly or goes without punishment, even among those closest to us," Sharaa declared.

Sharaa's comments follow violent outbreaks targeting the Alawite minority, resulting in the deaths of nearly 1,000 individuals. The violence came in the wake of the fall of Bashar al-Assad and was initially sparked by the remnants of the Assad loyalist militia. Sharaa described these riots as an "expected challenge" after Assad’s removal, but acknowledged that "many parties" entered Syria’s coastal regions, leading to violations and retaliatory violence.

The unrest, which Sharaa called the bloodiest since Assad’s ouster, has been a significant setback for his efforts to unite Syria. Over 200 members of the security forces were killed, although the overall death toll is still pending investigation.

Committees Set Up for Investigation and Reconciliation

Sharaa has taken steps to investigate the violence by setting up two committees. One will focus on probing the mass killings within 30 days, while the other aims to preserve civil peace and promote reconciliation. Despite circulating graphic footage of the killings on social media, Sharaa has yet to confirm the involvement of foreign jihadist fighters or his own security forces, stating that these matters are part of the ongoing investigation.

Thousands of Alawites have fled the violence, with many seeking refuge in mountainous villages or crossing the border into Lebanon. Sharaa blamed the violence on Assad loyalists from the 4th Division, led by Assad’s brother Maher, as well as foreign powers attempting to foment unrest.

Striving for National Unity Amid Regional Tensions

Sharaa’s government is working towards integrating Syria’s diverse communities, including Sunnis, Alawites, Druze, Christians, Shi'ites, Kurds, and Armenians, while navigating domestic and international concerns regarding his extremist Islamist past. Despite these efforts, Sharaa’s rule faces significant challenges, including an economy in ruins, fractured territorial control, and the lasting effects of 14 years of civil war.

The interim president also commented on Syria’s strained relationship with the United States, emphasizing that his government has had no contact with Washington since Donald Trump’s presidency. Sharaa called for the lifting of US sanctions, which he argued are hindering the country’s security and economic recovery.

Regional Diplomacy and Tensions with Israel

Sharaa’s administration is also engaged in talks with Russia to review past military agreements and ensure that Russian bases in Syria do not pose a threat to other nations. The presence of Russian forces remains a critical factor in Syria’s geopolitical landscape. However, Sharaa has rejected growing Israeli criticism, including threats related to his forces in southern Syria, and dismissed accusations that he is a jihadist, pointing to the violence committed by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), largely composed of Kurds, have agreed to integrate into the Sharaa-led government. This agreement, which includes guarantees for Kurdish rights and the establishment of a nationwide ceasefire, could help bring stability to the northeast, which remains outside of full government control.