Monday - Syria’s interim President Ahmed Sharaa has committed to enforcing the law against those responsible for the recent mass killings, including potential allies, as sectarian violence poses a challenge to his mission of unifying the country. In his first interview with a global news agency, Sharaa addressed the aftermath of the deadly clashes that resulted in hundreds of casualties over four days, involving Alawite Muslims and the new Sunni Islamist authorities.

Sharaa attributed the initial outbreak of violence to pro-Assad factions supported by foreign entities, yet he admitted that retaliatory killings ensued. From the Damascus presidential palace, the interim leader emphasized, "Syria is a state of law. The law will take its course on all." He insisted on accountability for any unjust bloodshed, even if it implicated those close to his leadership.

The interim president also touched on international relations, revealing that his government had not engaged with the United States since President Donald Trump assumed office. He reiterated calls for the U.S. to remove sanctions set during the Assad regime. Sharaa expressed openness to reestablishing ties with Moscow, despite Russia’s support of Assad and its efforts to maintain military bases in Syria.

Addressing regional dynamics, Sharaa dismissed criticisms from Israel, which has seized territory in southern Syria post-Assad’s fall. He also expressed a desire to mend relations with Kurdish groups, proposing a meeting with the leader of a Kurdish-led faction formerly allied with Washington.

While Sharaa condemned the violence initiated by loyalists to Assad’s brother and an unnamed foreign nation, he acknowledged the subsequent widespread violence as a manifestation of long-standing grievances. He assured that the situation had largely stabilized and announced the formation of an independent committee on Sunday to investigate the unrest. The committee will determine the full extent of the casualties, although Sharaa confirmed the loss of 200 security personnel.

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