11.03.2025 16:40
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that pro-Assad groups are responsible for the recent events in Syria, but also noted that revenge-driven murders have been committed. He said, "We will not allow those who shed blood, even if they are our closest ones, to go unpunished."
Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara gave an interview to the British news agency Reuters regarding the four days of clashes between government forces and elements loyal to the ousted Bashar al-Assad regime last week, as well as the civilian casualties that occurred.
"WE WILL NOT ALLOW THE KILLERS, EVEN IF THEY ARE OUR CLOSE ONES, TO GO UNPUNISHED" Al-Shara stated that those who initiated the massacre were Assad loyalist groups supported by foreigners, but also mentioned that revenge killings have occurred. Al-Shara said, "Syria is a rule of law state. The law will apply to everyone. We fought to defend the oppressed and will not allow anyone's blood to be shed unjustly. We will not allow the killers, even if they are our close ones, to go unpunished."
"THE RESPONSIBLE PARTIES FOR THE EVENTS ARE SUPPORTERS OF THE OLD REGIME AND FOREIGN FORCES" Al-Shara expressed that the responsible parties for the violence are former regime loyalists and foreign forces affiliated with Assad's brother, Mahir Assad, from the 4th Division. He stated that these groups, which aim to create chaos and social division in the country, instigated clashes on Thursday, and acknowledged that many groups have entered the Syrian coast and many violations have occurred in response. Al-Shara said, "This has turned into a revenge opportunity for long-suppressed hostilities." The Syrian leader noted that the situation in the country has largely been brought under control. Not specifying the source of the foreign power involved in the events, Al-Shara indirectly referred to Iran by mentioning "the parties harmed by the new situation that has emerged in Syria."
Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara "INVESTIGATIONS ARE BEING CONDUCTED BY AN INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE INCLUDING ALAWITES" Al-Shara announced that 200 security personnel lost their lives in the clashes and stated that investigations regarding the total death toll are ongoing. He expressed that the investigations are being conducted by an independent committee that includes Alawites and that those responsible will be brought to justice within 30 days.
"WE CANNOT ENSURE SECURITY IN OUR COUNTRY WHILE SANCTIONS AGAINST US ARE IN EFFECT" Al-Shara noted that he has had no contact with the U.S. administration since President Donald Trump took office, reiterating his call for the Washington administration to lift the sanctions imposed on Syria during the Assad era. He stated that the security and prosperity of the country are directly dependent on the lifting of U.S. sanctions, saying, "We cannot ensure security in our country while sanctions against us are in effect." When asked why there has been no contact with the Trump administration, Al-Shara replied, "The Syrian file is not among the priorities of the U.S. You should ask them this question. The doors of Syria are open."
"WE WANT TO MAINTAIN DEEP STRATEGIC RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA" Al-Shara expressed that they have agreed to review the old agreements with Russia, which supported the Assad regime during the civil war in the country. He evaluated Russia's demands regarding the Tartus Naval Base and Hmeymim Air Base, stating, "We do not want a rift between Syria and Russia. We also do not want Russia's presence in Syria to pose a danger and threat to any country in the world. We want to maintain deep strategic relations between Syria and Russia." Al-Shara emphasized the importance of relations with Russia, saying, "So much so that after the liberation, we endured Russian bombardments to create space for negotiations and dialogue between us and did not directly target them." Al-Shara did not respond to the question of whether he requested the surrender of Bashar al-Assad from Moscow.
CRITICIZED ISRAEL Al-Shara rejected the criticisms directed at him from Israel, which occupies his country's territory in the south. He stated that the remarks made by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who described him as "a terrorist from the Al-Qaeda school who commits horrific acts against civilians," were "nonsense." Al-Shara pointed out that Israel has killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza and Lebanon in the last 18 months, saying, "They are the last people who can speak on this matter."