The Syrian government has concluded its official investigation into the deadly violence that engulfed the country’s northern coastal region in March 2025, pledging to hold those responsible for serious human rights abuses to account.

The violence erupted across Latakia, Tartus and Banias following attacks on security checkpoints, triggering several days of sectarian-driven unrest involving pro-government forces and loyalist militias linked to the former regime. The clashes quickly escalated into widespread killings, looting and arson. More than 1,400 people were killed, including civilians, women and members of the security forces. While the violence was extensive, investigators concluded it was not centrally organised but rather fuelled by revenge and local power struggles.

On July 22, the National Committee for Investigation and Fact-Finding held a press conference to present its findings and recommendations. Spokesperson Yasser al-Farhan confirmed that the inquiry had documented 1,469 deaths, including 90 women, and gathered 930 witness testimonies. The report highlighted over 480 incidents of arson, the identification of around 300 suspects and noted that 238 security and military personnel were killed – some while in captivity. The chaos also enabled individuals to pose as government officials in order to carry out additional abuses.

Farhan stated that “government forces attempted to restore order on March 7, although some search operations involved violations.” He denied reports of women being abducted during the conflict. Committee chair Jumaa al-Enezi acknowledged that the state temporarily lost control in some areas and confirmed that remnants of the former Assad regime had attempted to exploit the unrest to establish a separatist Alawite enclave.

The fact-finding committee identified 265 suspected members of armed groups linked to the former Assad regime, known as the 'floul,' who are believed to have committed serious crimes during the March unrest. These groups seized control of towns, villages and key roads, aiming to separate the coastal region from Syria and establish an Alawite state through a coordinated and well-funded operation.

In response, over 200,000 government troops, allied forces and civilian militias mobilised to retake the territory. On March 7, the floul launched deadly attacks on military convoys and civilians from elevated positions, causing widespread chaos.

Government forces attempted to restore order, but as armed groups entered residential areas, civilians faced both organised and uncontrolled search operations. While many residents viewed public security forces positively, the committee confirmed serious and widespread human rights violations occurred between March 7 and 9.

Jumaa al-Anzi, head of the fact-finding committee, affirmed the state's firm commitment to justice, stating: “The state is serious about holding all officials accountable from all ranks, and the coming days will reveal this.”

He also confirmed that the committee had fulfilled its responsibility by submitting all relevant evidence to judicial authorities: “All information about crimes committed have been provided to the public prosecutor.”

The committee submitted two lists of suspects to the public prosecutor. It proposed a series of reforms, including legislation to criminalise sectarian incitement, transitional justice initiatives and improved governance and oversight of the security sector.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa received the final report on July 20 and reiterated his commitment that "no one is above the law." The presidency confirmed that the committee had been established to ensure complete transparency and prevent any attempt to obscure the truth. The committee has now formally concluded its work, with responsibility for legal proceedings and reforms passing to the judiciary.