Deadly battles in Latakia: security forces in the crossfire of the loyalists!

Deadly battles in Latakia: security forces in the crossfire of the loyalists!

In the Syrian coastal province of Latakia, there were violent battles on Thursday, in which at least 15 security forces were killed. These attacks occurred near the city of Jableh and represent one of the greatest security challenges for the new transitional government since the Assad Regime's fall three months ago. According to the Syrian security source, the number of victims was confirmed to Al Jazera, while the Syrian observation center for human rights (Sohr) even speaks of 16 dead.

The conflict in Latakia is directly connected to the tensions between supporters of the former President Bashar al-Assad and the new rulers. Security officers reported on armed backers and attacks that are primarily directed against groups that are connected to Suhail al-Hassan, a former commander of the Syrian special units. Al-Hassan has emerged in the past through brutal measures towards civilians.

The location in Latakia

The security forces in Latakia stated that the situation was under control and several attackers were killed or captured. In hours after the incidents, the region was reinforced by the new Syrian government, which sent a large number of military vehicles from neighboring governors. At the same time, the government imposed an outcome lock in the coastal city of Tarttous.

The relationship between the Alawites and the new leadership is tense. The Alawites, which make up between 10 and 13 percent of the Syrian population and are historically connected to the Assad regime, fear retaliation measures due to their loyal support for the Assad family. In view of the historical violence against this community, there have already been reports on violent attacks after Assad's fall. Some activists warn that there is an increased risk for this minority.

reactions of the new government

The new Syrian leadership assures that it will protect the minorities in the country. Nevertheless, an increased military volume was registered in Dschabla. According to reports, the transitional government sent an armed group with around 100 pickups to the region in order to maintain order and security and arrest high-ranking members of the Assad regime.

Despite these efforts, control in the country remains problematic. Former rebel groups still act independently, and there is speculation that some attackers may be foreign jihadists. The security situation remains fragile, and videos of violence attacks are circulating on social media, even if their authenticity can often not be confirmed.

The central regions of Syria, especially on the coast, represent a major challenge for the interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, while the country continues to be on the brink between stability and chaos.

For more information on the recent events in Syria, please read the reports from , n-tv and DW .