Heavy Fighting Erupts in Syria’s Coastal Region
Fierce clashes have erupted in Syria between government forces and fighters loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad, marking the deadliest violence since rebels toppled Assad in December and established an Islamist transitional government.
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, more than 70 people have been killed in the ongoing conflict. Authorities have imposed a curfew in the port cities of Latakia and Tartous as tensions escalate.
Ambush Sparks Deadly Confrontation
The violence reportedly began when government forces were ambushed during a security operation in Latakia. Reinforcements have since been deployed, with videos circulating online showing intense gunfire in various locations.
Latakia and the surrounding coastal region serve as the heartland of the Alawite minority, a sect to which the Assad family belongs. The area remains a stronghold for Assad loyalists, complicating the security situation for the new government.
Casualty Figures and Unverified Reports
Estimates of the death toll vary, and the BBC has not independently verified the figures. However, the Syrian-based Step News Agency reported late Thursday that government-aligned forces had killed “about 70” former regime fighters and captured more than 25 others in Jableh and surrounding areas.
Reports also suggest that clashes have spread to Homs and Aleppo, with videos on social media capturing the sounds of heavy gunfire on residential streets in Homs.
Government’s Stern Warning to Assad Loyalists
A spokesperson for Syria’s defense ministry, Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, issued a stark warning to Assad loyalists through state media:
“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.”
Security Challenges for Syria’s Interim President
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa faces mounting security challenges as clashes persist in various regions. Alawite activists claim their community has been subjected to violence and targeted attacks since Assad’s fall, particularly in rural areas of Homs and Latakia.
Further instability has been reported in southern Syria, where government forces are encountering resistance from Druze fighters.
Chemical Weapons Controversy Resurfaces
Meanwhile, Syria’s foreign minister recently assured the global chemical weapons watchdog that the new government is committed to destroying any remaining stockpiles from the Assad era. Although Assad’s government consistently denied using chemical weapons during the 14-year civil war, activists accused it of carrying out multiple chemical attacks.
