More than 70 people have been killed, and dozens injured in fierce clashes between Syrian government forces and militants loyal to ousted ruler Bashar al-Assad, a war monitor reported on Friday.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the fighting erupted in the coastal province of Latakia, particularly in Jableh and nearby villages, marking the most intense attacks against Syria’s new authorities since Assad’s downfall in December.
Pro-Assad fighters launched coordinated assaults on security forces, killing at least 16 personnel. In response, government forces engaged in heavy battles, leading to the deaths of 28 Assad loyalists and four civilians. The security forces also captured multiple militants, including a high-ranking former intelligence official.
Helicopter Strikes and Security Crackdown
Authorities launched helicopter strikes against pro-Assad fighters in Beit Ana and surrounding areas, accompanied by artillery bombardments. The security crackdown intensified after armed groups attacked defense ministry personnel, killing one soldier and wounding two others.
A former head of air force intelligence, General Ibrahim Huweija, was reportedly arrested during the operation. He had long been accused of orchestrating assassinations under Assad’s regime, including the 1977 killing of Lebanese Druze leader Kamal Jumblatt.
Suhail al-Hassan, a former special forces commander and one of Assad’s closest military figures, was also linked to the fighting. His hometown, Beit Ana, saw intense clashes as residents resisted government forces attempting to arrest an arms dealer.
Rising Tensions and Civilian Protests
The security situation remains volatile, with curfews imposed on Alawite-majority cities like Latakia, Tartus, and Homs. Meanwhile, Alawite leaders have called for peaceful protests, accusing security forces of targeting civilian homes in their airstrikes.
In other parts of Syria, demonstrations have taken place in support of security forces, while the government continues operations to eliminate Assad loyalists. Reports of human rights violations, including executions and property seizures, have surfaced, though authorities claim these are isolated incidents.
With tensions escalating, military reinforcements have been deployed to Jableh, raising concerns that the conflict could further destabilize the region.
Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/four-dozen-said-killed-in-fighting-between-syrian-government-forces-assad-loyalists/