Intense fighting has broken out in Syria’s coastal region between forces aligned with the country’s new rulers and fighters loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that at least 71 people have been killed, including 35 government troops, 32 former regime fighters, and four civilians, with dozens more injured. The clashes, the worst since rebels toppled Assad in December and installed an Islamist transitional government, began after government forces were ambushed during a security operation in Latakia.
In response, reinforcements were deployed, and a curfew has been imposed in the port cities of Latakia and Tartous. Unverified videos circulating online show heavy gunfire in residential areas.
The Alawite-dominated coastal region, a stronghold of the Assad family, remains volatile, with gunmen taking control of military zones and launching attacks from mountain hideouts. Meanwhile, reports indicate similar clashes in Homs and Aleppo.
Syria’s Defence Ministry has issued a stern warning to Assad loyalists, urging them to surrender or face military action. The escalating violence poses a major security challenge for interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is also confronting Druze resistance in the south. Meanwhile, Syria’s foreign minister has reaffirmed the new government’s commitment to destroying any remaining chemical weapons stockpiles linked to the former Assad regime
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