In Syria’s northwest coastal area, intense clashes have broken out involving supporters of ousted President Assad, Islamic fighters, and government forces. Over seventy fatalities have been reported, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights based in London.
Curfews have been imposed in the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartus, with residents advised to stay indoors. Thousands of troops have been deployed to regain control of the situation.
Assad loyalists reportedly hold parts of the region, including Qardaha, Assad’s birthplace. The conflict extends to major cities like Aleppo and Homs, and confrontations with armed Druze are reported in southern Syria.
Independent verification of reports is challenging due to the absence of journalists in the area. Tensions have been escalating in the former stronghold of the Assad regime and erupted into severe violence after government forces were ambushed in Latakia.
The transitional government has pledged individual punishment for Assad regime supporters and respectful treatment of minorities, but groups like the Druze and particularly the Alawites, to which the Assads belong, remain skeptical. Since Assad’s fall in December, social media reports indicate Alawites have faced attacks and property destruction by Islamic fighters seeking revenge against what they consider a privileged minority responsible for past repression.
Source: NOS