US State Department says it is monitoring actions of Syria's interim government

The State Department said Friday that the US is evaluating “in general” the actions of Syria's interim authorities "across a number of issues" as it weighs the future of the nation after the downfall of Bashar al-Assad regime.

"Local ownership and broad societal support is necessary for stability in Syria, and the region, as recent deadly violence on the coast demonstrated. Long-term stability and prosperity for the people of Syria requires a government that protects all Syrians equally," Spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters during a press briefing.

She was referring to a recent major flare-up in violence between armed Assad loyalists, and government forces in western Syria in which scores of civilians were killed.

Earlier this month, transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa ordered the formation of an independent national committee to investigate and document the abuses. At least two men have been taken into custody after footage circulated online showing them engaging in “illegal and brutal” acts, according to the state-owned news agency SANA.

Bruce said the US wants to see a future Syria "that lives in peace with its neighbors, respects human rights and prohibits terrorists from using its territory as a safe haven.”

After the collapse of the Assad regime in December, the new interim Syrian authorities launched an initiative to settle the status of former regime members in the military and security forces, contingent on their surrendering weapons and remaining untainted by bloodshed.

Assad, Syria's leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, 2024, ending 62 years of Baath Party rule Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces to oust Assad, was declared president for a transitional period in late January.