Dozens killed in Syria’s most violent confrontations since the fall of Assad
Intense fighting has erupted in Syria’s coastal region as forces loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad clashed with government troops, marking the deadliest violence since the Islamist transitional government took power in December.
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 71 people have died, including 35 government soldiers, 32 fighters affiliated with the former regime, and four civilians. The clashes have also left many wounded.
The conflict began when government forces were ambushed during a security operation in Latakia, prompting reinforcements to be sent. In response, a curfew was imposed in the port cities of Latakia and Tartous, with further reports of violence emerging from Homs and Aleppo.
Videos verified by the BBC showed armed men firing at a building in Homs on Thursday night, setting it ablaze. Local fighters linked to the former regime took control of military positions, using the mountainous terrain of Latakia as a base for further attacks. In Jableh, other groups entrenched themselves in urban areas.
Military checkpoints, highways, and strategic sites along the coastline were targeted, leading to significant unrest. Reports suggest that government forces have killed around 70 ex-regime fighters, capturing at least 25 more in Jableh and nearby regions.
Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, a spokesperson for Syria’s defence ministry, issued a warning via state media, urging Assad loyalists to surrender or face destruction. “Thousands have chosen to lay down their arms and return home, while others persist in fighting for criminals. Their fate is sealed,” he declared.
The security situation remains a major challenge for interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is also dealing with recent clashes against Druze forces in the south. Meanwhile, Alawite activists claim their community has faced violent attacks since Assad’s fall, particularly in rural Latakia and Homs.
The new government has also pledged to dismantle remaining chemical stockpiles produced under Assad’s rule, a commitment made earlier this week to international watchdogs. While Assad’s government denied using chemical weapons during Syria’s 14-year civil war, activists continue to accuse it of multiple chemical attacks.
