Syria's Ongoing Struggle: A Complex Web of Violence and Accountability

A Syrian government fact-finding committee revealed on Tuesday that 1,426 people were killed in March during attacks on security forces and following retaliatory killings of Alawites. However, the committee concluded that no orders for revenge were issued by commanders.

The violence in the coastal region marks the worst outbreak in Syria since President Bashar al-Assad's fall last year. This investigation is a pivotal test for the new leadership, formed chiefly by ex-rebels against Assad, now facing unrest among other minority groups. The committee, led by Jumaa Al-Anzi, identified 298 suspects involved in Alawite violations and 265 in the initial security forces' attack. These suspects are referred to the courts, with some arrests already made.

The Supreme Alawite Council denounced the committee's findings, calling for an independent UN investigation instead. Reuters previously reported 1,479 Alawites killed and missing in revenge killings across various sites. As unrest continues, especially with clashes in Sweida, the safety of minorities remains a pressing issue for Syria's leaders.

(With inputs from agencies.)