Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa vowed that his government would hold accountable anyone who was involved in harming civilians, following days of deadly violence.

Axar.az informs “We will hold accountable, firmly and without leniency, anyone who was involved in the bloodshed of civilians... or who overstepped the powers of the state,” he said, adding that a committee would be formed to “protect civil peace.”

Al-Sharaa stated that Syria was confronting attempts to drag it into a civil war, adding that “remnants of the former regime” had no choice but to surrender immediately.

He also said Syria will not allow any “external or local forces” to drag it into chaos or civil war.

Earlier Sunday, the Syrian presidency announced on Telegram that an “independent committee” had been formed to “investigate the violations against civilians and identify those responsible for them,” who would face the courts.

Fighting between the new security forces and loyalists of the former government erupted on Thursday, after earlier tensions, and escalated into reported mass killings in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus.