Deadly Clashes Erupt Between Syrian Forces and Assad Loyalists in Latakia
Syrian forces have engaged in deadly clashes with remnants of the Assad regime in Latakia, resulting in significant casualties. A curfew has been instituted amid escalating violence, particularly affecting the Alawite community. Military reinforcements are being sent to Jableh, with warnings issued to Assad loyalists. The interim president faces major security challenges as the new government commits to destroying any remaining chemical weapons stockpiles.
Recent violent confrontations have erupted between Syrian forces and remnants of the ousted Assad regime in Latakia province, with at least 13 soldiers reported killed. This fighting is centered near a Russian-controlled airbase and represents some of the most severe clashes involving forces aligned with Syria’s Islamist government since Bashar al-Assad’s fall in December. A curfew has been instituted until Friday morning to manage the escalating situation.
The ongoing clashes predominantly affect coastal areas significant to the Alawite community, historically a stronghold of the Assad family. Reports indicate that the Alawite population has recently faced increased violence, particularly in rural regions such as Homs and Latakia. In response, the Syrian state news agency Sana has announced that “huge military reinforcements” are being deployed to Jableh to address this unrest.
According to the Syrian-based Step news agency, government-aligned forces have reportedly killed around 70 former regime fighters and captured over 25 others in Jableh and its surroundings. Meanwhile, the AFP news agency has cited monitoring sources indicating that 28 Assad loyalists have also been killed, with government forces employing helicopters to target these fighters. The accuracy of these figures remains unverified by the BBC.
Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, a spokesman for Syria’s defence ministry, has issued a stark warning to Assad loyalists, emphasizing the choice between surrendering their weapons or facing dire consequences: “Thousands have chosen to surrender their weapons and return to their families, while some insist on fleeing and dying in defence of murderers and criminals. The choice is clear: lay down your weapons or face your inevitable fate.”
The new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is grappling with significant security challenges, not only in the north but also facing resistance from Druze forces in the south. Furthermore, Syria’s foreign minister recently conveyed to the global chemical weapons watchdog that the interim government is dedicated to eliminating any remnants of chemical stockpiles that were produced under the Assad regime, despite previous denials of chemical weapon use by that government during the prolonged civil war.
In summary, the recent clashes in Latakia signify a severe challenge for the new Syrian government, as it contends with remnants of the Assad regime amidst escalating violence. The region is experiencing a curfew and military reinforcements to regain control, while military officials have addressed Assad loyalists with stark warnings. As security concerns grow across various regions, the interim president faces significant resistance both militarily and in the broader narrative regarding the legacy of chemical weapon use in the Syrian conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
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