Violence between government forces and loyalists in Latakia has escalated, prompting military reinforcements and curfews amid rising tensions within the Alawite community.
Deadly Clashes Erupt in Latakia as Syrian Forces Battle Assad Loyalists
Deadly Clashes Erupt in Latakia as Syrian Forces Battle Assad Loyalists
Fighting intensifies in Latakia province as new Syrian government confronts remnants of the former regime.
Syrian forces loyal to the newly established government in Damascus have found themselves embroiled in intense confrontations with remnants of the ousted Assad regime in Latakia province, a coastal area in the northwest of the country. Reports confirm at least 13 soldiers have died in these disputes, which are occurring near a Russian-controlled airbase, according to official state media. In response to the violence, a curfew has been imposed until Friday morning.
These altercations represent some of the most severe conflicts experienced by factions aligned with Syria's Islamist government following the Assad regime's collapse in December. The fighting has notably persisted in coastal regions that are integral to the Alawite community and the Assad family’s stronghold. Activists from the Alawite community report increased hostility and attacks since the fall of Assad, particularly in rural regions like Homs and Latakia.
SANA, the state news agency, has indicated that "considerable military reinforcements" are being dispatched to Jableh city, where reports suggest that government-aligned forces have inflicted substantial losses on former regime combatants. Claims from the Step news agency suggest approximately 70 former fighters were killed, with more than 25 captured in the vicinity of Jableh. AFP, quoting monitors, reported that 28 Assad loyalists had also been slain, noting that government forces employed helicopters for targeted assaults. However, the BBC has not been able to independently verify these figures.
Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, a spokesperson for Syria's defense ministry, addressed the situation through state outlets, transmitting a stark message to those still supporting Assad. "Thousands have chosen to surrender their weapons and return to their families, while some insist on fleeing and dying in defense of murderers and criminals. The choice is clear: lay down your weapons or face your inevitable fate," he stated.
The escalating conflict poses a significant security dilemma for interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is also grappling with disturbances in southern Syria, where recent clashes with Druze forces have been reported. Earlier, Syria's foreign minister assured the global chemical weapons watchdog of the new government’s commitment to dismantling any remaining arsenals that originated under Assad’s regime. While the former administration categorically denied allegations of employing chemical arms during the 14-year civil war, activists have frequently criticized it for executing numerous chemical attacks.
These altercations represent some of the most severe conflicts experienced by factions aligned with Syria's Islamist government following the Assad regime's collapse in December. The fighting has notably persisted in coastal regions that are integral to the Alawite community and the Assad family’s stronghold. Activists from the Alawite community report increased hostility and attacks since the fall of Assad, particularly in rural regions like Homs and Latakia.
SANA, the state news agency, has indicated that "considerable military reinforcements" are being dispatched to Jableh city, where reports suggest that government-aligned forces have inflicted substantial losses on former regime combatants. Claims from the Step news agency suggest approximately 70 former fighters were killed, with more than 25 captured in the vicinity of Jableh. AFP, quoting monitors, reported that 28 Assad loyalists had also been slain, noting that government forces employed helicopters for targeted assaults. However, the BBC has not been able to independently verify these figures.
Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, a spokesperson for Syria's defense ministry, addressed the situation through state outlets, transmitting a stark message to those still supporting Assad. "Thousands have chosen to surrender their weapons and return to their families, while some insist on fleeing and dying in defense of murderers and criminals. The choice is clear: lay down your weapons or face your inevitable fate," he stated.
The escalating conflict poses a significant security dilemma for interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is also grappling with disturbances in southern Syria, where recent clashes with Druze forces have been reported. Earlier, Syria's foreign minister assured the global chemical weapons watchdog of the new government’s commitment to dismantling any remaining arsenals that originated under Assad’s regime. While the former administration categorically denied allegations of employing chemical arms during the 14-year civil war, activists have frequently criticized it for executing numerous chemical attacks.
