Overview

• At least 973 civilians, including women and children, have been killed in western Syria, with reports of ethnic cleansing and summary executions by various factions.
• The violence erupted on March 6 after pro-Assad forces attacked security personnel in Jablé, prompting retaliatory operations by interim government forces across Lattaquié and Tartous provinces.
• Interim President Ahmad al-Chareh has announced the creation of an independent commission to investigate the killings and hold those responsible accountable.
• International condemnation has poured in, with the UN, Washington, and Berlin calling for immediate action to stop the atrocities and ensure justice.
• The escalating violence highlights the fragile state of Syria's transitional government, which faces challenges in uniting a multiethnic, multiconfessional nation after 13 years of civil war.