Syria’s Coast Investigation Committee: Too Early to Name Perpetrators in Massacre Probe

Watan-Yasser Farhan, spokesperson for the Committee for Investigation and Fact-Finding in the Syrian coastal region, stated on Tuesday that it is still too early to disclose any findings, as the teams continue to hear witness testimonies. He noted that the teams have been moving between various areas and villages, gathering testimonies from individuals and families.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry of Information, Farhan said, “Some committee members may be forming initial impressions, but that does not equate to full convictions or clear identification of any party involved.” He emphasized the committee’s commitment to the 30-day timeframe, although he acknowledged that more time is needed.

Farhan also confirmed the committee’s anticipation of a transitional justice law being issued, amid calls for establishing an independent national body in which victims’ families would play a central role. He added that the formation of a special national court to prosecute war crimes is likely.

Investigation Launched into Coastal Massacres in Latakia

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were killed in villages along the Syrian coast following clashes between government forces and armed factions loyal to the former regime. These events included massacres and executions of civilians and entire families, prompting Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara’ to announce the formation of an investigative committee to look into the bloody events.

Farhan explained that the committee had started organizing its internal regulations, assigning roles among its members, establishing an administrative and technical support team, and outlining key principles, methodologies, and working mechanisms. This was done in response to the “painful events” that occurred in the coastal region on March 6, 7, and 8, and thereafter, in accordance with the presidential decree issued on March 9.

He added that on Friday, March 14, the committee began field visits to the sites of the incidents in Latakia Governorate. The committee held meetings with civil, military, security, police, and judicial officials—both jointly and separately—gathering testimonies and receiving requested information.

The committee visited several areas including the Da’tour neighborhood in Sanada (Latakia city), Jableh, Qardaha, Al-Haffa, and villages such as Al-Awamiyah, Qabo Al-Awamiyah, Al-Bassah, Sanoubar, Satamo, Sharifa, Al-Sheer, Al-Mukhtariyah, and Brabeshbo. There, they met hundreds of family members and witnesses, visited nine sites where violations reportedly occurred, listened to firsthand accounts, and documented what they observed.

The committee also conducted 10 visits to locations where government forces had come under attack, as well as to conflict zones in Jableh and Qardaha, including the naval academy, the police station, the national hospital, and various burial sites and morgues for unidentified victims.

Farhan noted that the committee continued to document testimonies and observations, establishing four interview rooms at its Jableh headquarters for taking witness statements. To date, over 95 testimonies have been recorded in accordance with legal procedures, including witness protection provisions for those who requested it. The committee also received more than 30 written and audio reports via direct communication with its members, which have been scheduled for further investigation.

Additionally, Farhan revealed that the committee’s experts have analyzed over 93 pieces of digital evidence, either obtained privately or already circulating, to help uncover the truth and identify perpetrators. The committee also plans to extend its work to Tartous, Baniyas, Hama, and Idlib in the coming period.

Farhan mentioned meetings with the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the team of the UN Special Envoy to Syria, as part of efforts to enhance international cooperation and make use of available expertise and information.

The committee has also held sessions with various representatives of civil society and local communities to hear their perspectives and document their demands.

Farhan concluded by urging human rights organizations to collaborate and share any verified information or evidence they may possess. He emphasized the committee’s commitment to respecting the confidentiality of information and its sources, and to handling all data with care in terms of storage, publication, and circulation.

“The committee values the role of witnesses and victims’ families in supporting its work,” he said, “and reaffirms its ongoing commitment to hearing more voices and maintaining open lines of communication with them.”