The conflict in Latakia escalates as Syrian forces confront residual loyalists of the former regime, leading to significant casualties and military mobilizations.
Clashes Erupt in Latakia as Syrian Forces Battle Loyalists to Ousted Regime
Clashes Erupt in Latakia as Syrian Forces Battle Loyalists to Ousted Regime
Heavy fighting results in casualties and curfew amidst growing tensions in coastal province.
In the latest escalation of violence in Syria, government forces loyal to the newly instated regime in Damascus have engaged in intense clashes with factions supporting the ousted Assad administration in the coastal Latakia province. At least 13 soldiers have been confirmed dead, as reported by state television, following confrontations near a Russian-controlled airbase in the region. A curfew has been effectively imposed until Friday morning to maintain order amid the unrest.
These skirmishes mark some of the fiercest confrontations for forces associated with Syria's Islamist government since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December. Ongoing clashes are concentrated in areas that are central to the Alawite community and historically serve as bastions for the Assad family. Alawite activists report an uptick in violence against their community since the regime's fall, particularly in the surrounding rural Homs and Latakia regions.
State news agency Sana detailed reports of extensive military reinforcements en route to secure the city of Jableh. On Thursday night, the Syrian-based Step news outlet claimed that government-aligned forces had successfully eliminated approximately 70 former regime fighters and captured more than 25 others around Jableh and adjacent territories. The AFP, referencing monitoring sources, stated that 28 Assad loyalists were killed, with government forces allegedly employing helicopters for offensive operations. However, the figures provided by different sources remain unverified by BBC reporters.
Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, speaking on behalf of Syria's defense ministry, delivered a stark message to remaining loyalists through state media, urging them to surrender their weapons: "Thousands have chosen to surrender... 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."
Interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa now confronts a substantial security dilemma, compounded by resistance in the southern regions, where clashes with Druze forces have also recently intensified. Earlier in the week, Syria's foreign minister articulated the new government's commitment to dismantle any lingering chemical weapons stockpiles believed to have been produced under Assad's regime, despite prior denials by Assad's administration of utilizing such weapons throughout the civil war's protracted duration.
These skirmishes mark some of the fiercest confrontations for forces associated with Syria's Islamist government since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December. Ongoing clashes are concentrated in areas that are central to the Alawite community and historically serve as bastions for the Assad family. Alawite activists report an uptick in violence against their community since the regime's fall, particularly in the surrounding rural Homs and Latakia regions.
State news agency Sana detailed reports of extensive military reinforcements en route to secure the city of Jableh. On Thursday night, the Syrian-based Step news outlet claimed that government-aligned forces had successfully eliminated approximately 70 former regime fighters and captured more than 25 others around Jableh and adjacent territories. The AFP, referencing monitoring sources, stated that 28 Assad loyalists were killed, with government forces allegedly employing helicopters for offensive operations. However, the figures provided by different sources remain unverified by BBC reporters.
Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, speaking on behalf of Syria's defense ministry, delivered a stark message to remaining loyalists through state media, urging them to surrender their weapons: "Thousands have chosen to surrender... 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."
Interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa now confronts a substantial security dilemma, compounded by resistance in the southern regions, where clashes with Druze forces have also recently intensified. Earlier in the week, Syria's foreign minister articulated the new government's commitment to dismantle any lingering chemical weapons stockpiles believed to have been produced under Assad's regime, despite prior denials by Assad's administration of utilizing such weapons throughout the civil war's protracted duration.
