Violent Clashes Erupt in Latakia as Pro-Assad Forces Fight Back

DAMASCUS, Syria — Fierce fighting erupted Thursday in Latakia province between Syrian government forces and remnants of the ousted regime of Bashar al-Assad, resulting in at least 13 military casualties. The clashes occurred near the coastal city of Jableh, close to a Russian-controlled airbase, highlighting ongoing instability in the region three months after the Assad regime’s fall.

The Syrian state television reported heavy casualties among government troops as curfews were imposed in affected areas, with measures set to last until Friday morning. The situation has escalated as the newly established Islamist-led government seeks to consolidate its power amid ongoing violence from loyalist factions.

Local reports indicate that government-aligned forces killed approximately 70 former regime fighters during the confrontations, while about 25 others were captured. Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted the deaths of at least 28 gunmen aligned with the Assad regime.

Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani of Syria’s defense ministry addressed the situation via state media, declaring, “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.” His statements come as the interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa faces significant pressure to maintain stability in the region.

Latakia, an area central to the Alawite community to which the Assad family belongs, has witnessed escalating tensions and violence since Assad’s ousting in December. Activists from the Alawite community report increased attacks and harassment in rural areas such as Homs and Latakia.

As the interim government attempts to establish control, high tensions have also been reported in southern regions, where clashes have occurred with Druze forces. The “coastal shield regiment,” a resistance group reportedly formed by former commanders loyal to Assad, represents a growing threat to the new administration.

The current unrest is compounded by security forces’ challenges in addressing armed groups linked to the former leader’s military strategies, further complicating al-Sharaa’s mandate to stabilize the country. Syrian military operatives continue to reinforce positions in Latakia, deploying additional vehicles and personnel from nearby governorates.

Residents of the coastal regions have reported increasing gunfire and unrest, with security forces indicating that they will not tolerate further lawlessness. The government has vowed to pursue remnants of the Assad regime, which it blames for inciting violence against state-enforcement personnel.

In the aftermath of recent violent encounters, citizens have reported irregular military activity and heightened tensions, with noticeable divisions among Alawite politicians regarding support for the new regime. Observers underline the uncertainty that still looms over Syria’s political landscape, with the prospect of foreign intervention becoming a growing concern if disputes continue to deteriorate.