Syria's probe confirms 1,426 deaths in March coastal violence, blames multiple forces

Journalists and observers gather at a press briefing by Syria's National Committee for Investigation and Fact-Finding on the March coastal violence in Damascus, Syria, July 22, 2025. Syria's National Committee for Investigation and Fact-Finding said Tuesday it has submitted to authorities its final report on the March coastal violence, confirming 1,426 deaths while attributing violations to both "remnants" of the former government and elements of the current security forces. After four months of field investigations across 33 towns, including mass grave inspections and 938 witness testimonies, the committee identified 265 individuals suspected of major violations including murder, torture, and property destruction, committee spokesperson Yasser Farhan said here at the press conference. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Syria's National Committee for Investigation and Fact-Finding said Tuesday it has submitted to authorities its final report on the March coastal violence, confirming 1,426 deaths while attributing violations to both "remnants" of the former government and elements of the current security forces.

After four months of field investigations across 33 towns, including mass grave inspections and 938 witness testimonies, the committee identified 265 individuals suspected of major violations including murder, torture, and property destruction, committee spokesperson Yasser Farhan said here at a press conference.

According to the report, the violence erupted on March 6 when armed groups linked to Bashar al-Assad's government launched coordinated attacks in Latakia, Tartous, and Hama, attempting to secede the coast. Interim government forces and allied militias responded with chaotic counter-operations involving over 200,000 fighters, leading to widespread civilian casualties and alleged extrajudicial killings, including the death of 90 women.

The report urged greater oversight, full military integration and judicial reforms while acknowledging the state efforts to curb abuses.

Full publication of the report's sensitive components will depend on presidential review, given its legal, security and political implications, Farhan said.

Meanwhile, Jumaa al-Enezi, head of the committee, called for urgent transitional justice, victim compensation, and state institution reforms in Syria. ■