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Syrian security forces are fighting pro-Assad insurgents in what have been described as the ‘most violent’ clashes since the dictator’s ouster
Syria is witnessing what has been described as the “most violent” clashes since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster, as government forces battle with a militia loyal to the former regime.
The violence erupted in the Alawi heartlands in the country’s north-west where security forces have embarked on a large-scale operation to find and arrest Assad loyalists.
At least 70 people have been killed, including about 35 fighters from the new Syrian authorities, according to monitors.
What’s happening?
Clashes between Syrian security forces and pro-Assad gunmen broke out in several locations in Latakia and Tartous provinces on Thursday.
Jableh, a coastal city south of Latakia, witnessed the most intense fighting, though violence has been reported in several other areas.
Syrian government forces were ambushed by gunmen in multiple locations
Government helicopters attacked targets in the village of Beit Anan – the birthplace of notorious Assad regime commander Suhail al-Hassan, who is suspected to be behind the insurgency – while at least 10 security forces members were kidnapped in Qardaha, Assad’s hometown.
The government ordered a 24-hour curfew in the provinces in response to the violence, and has deployed military reinforcements to the cities of Latakia and Tartous.
How many have been killed?
As of Friday morning, the violence had claimed the lives of at least 70 people and wounded dozens of others, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Most were killed in Jableh, with 48 people reported dead in the coastal city.
At least 35 government troops and 32 pro-Assad gunmen have died, along with four civilians, the war monitor said.
Authorities have not disclosed an estimated death toll.
Clashes are ongoing
Government forces were continuing to fight the insurgents on Friday after moving troops and armoured vehicles into the region’s major cities, though reporting on the latest developments has been vague.
Clashes are taking place on the outskirts of Latakia while pro-Assad militias had made gains in Jableh, Reuters quoted a security source as saying.
Government forces this morning began an operation to wrest control of Qardaha from militants, according to the SOHR.
What’s the government saying?
Authorities say the violence is a coordinated attempt by remnants of the Assad regime.
Mustafa Kneifati, the director of the Public Security Directorate in Latakia, said that described the violence as “a well-planned and premeditated attack” coordinated by “several groups of Assad militia remnants”.
Government forces would “work to eliminate their presence,” he added.
Alawites claim persecution
Alawite leaders say the government has targeted the community since the Islamist-led government took power in December.
Since Hayat Tahrir al-Sham took power in December, Syria’s reconstituted security forces have undertaken a widespread search operation to root out former officials and military officers in the Assad regime.
The effort has been heavily concentrated in areas of the country populated by the Alawite community, an ethnoreligious minority considered supportive of Assad.
The Alawite Islamic Council in Syria on Thursday accused the government of hitting civilian homes with airstrikes and called for members of the community to protest.
Hours later it called on the UN Security Council to intervene and protect the community.
How has the region reacted?
Syria’s new authorities have received words of support from the region.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as “crimes” carried out by “outlaw groups” against the country’s security forces.
Turkey, among the new Syrian government’s biggest foreign backers, warned that the targeting of security forces could undermine the country’s stability.
“Such provocations must not be allowed to become a threat to peace in Syria and the region,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
