Brussels— The European Union (EU) issued a strongly worded statement on Monday, expressing “grave concern” over escalating violence in Syria’s coastal region following attacks that killed civilians. The EU called for those responsible to be held accountable and formally invited Syrian Transitional Administration head Ahmad al-Shara to attend an international donor conference in Brussels later this month.
In its statement, the EU cited field reports indicating that recent assaults in coastal cities, including Latakia and Tartus, were carried out by forces loyal to the Assad regime. The bloc emphasized the urgent need to “establish facts and deliver justice” amid widespread reports of misinformation. “The perpetrators of these crimes must face trial,” the statement read.
A United Nations delegation arrived in Syria’s coastal region on Monday to investigate clashes between the transitional government and Assad-loyalist factions. Saudi channel Al Arabiya reported that the team visited villages in the Latakia and Tartus countryside, where recent fighting displaced civilians and left casualties.
Meanwhile, Syria’s interim Defense Ministry spokesperson Hassan Abdulghani announced the conclusion of military operations in the coastal area, claiming all objectives had been “successfully achieved.” State news agency SANA quoted Abdulghani as praising troops for their “resolve in securing the region.”
On Sunday, Syrian authorities arrested several individuals accused of abuses during the clashes, including two men allegedly captured on video executing an elderly civilian. Local newspaper Al-Watan reported that detainees were referred to judicial authorities following orders from al-Shara to prosecute violators.
Read also: Moscow and Washington Call for UN Security Council Session on Syria
In a televised address Sunday, al-Shara vowed that his administration would “not allow Syria to descend into chaos or civil war,” reaffirming commitments to national unity and accountability. He also established an independent committee, led by judges and legal experts, to probe the coastal violence.
European media outlets revealed that al-Shara received a formal invitation to attend the Syria donor conference in Brussels on March 17, signaling tentative EU engagement with the transitional administration. The event aims to address humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts amid Syria’s protracted crisis.
