Syrian forces loyal to the brand new authorities in Damascus have engaged in heavy combating with remnants of the ousted Assad regime in a coastal space within the nation’s north-west.
No less than 13 troopers have been killed within the clashes in Latakia province, near a Russian-controlled airbase, in line with state TV.
A curfew has been introduced till Friday morning.
They’re a few of the most violent assaults on forces linked to Syria’s Islamist authorities for the reason that fall of Bashar al-Assad in December.
Clashes proceed in coastal areas that kind the heartland of the Alawite group and are a stronghold of the Assad household.
Alawite activists mentioned their group had been subjected to violence and assaults since Assad fell, significantly in rural Homs and Latakia.
State information company Sana reported that “enormous army reinforcements” have been heading to the town of Jableh.
Late on Thursday, Syrian-based Step information company, was reporting that government-aligned forces had killed “about 70” former regime fighters, whereas greater than 25 others have been captured in Jableh and surrounds.
The AFP information company mentioned 28 gunman loyal to Assad have been killed, citing screens, and added that authorities forces have been utilizing helicopters to assault targets.
The BBC has been unable to confirm the figures.
A spokesman for Syria’s defence ministry, Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, issued a warning to Assad loyalists through state media.
“Hundreds have chosen to give up their weapons and return to their households, whereas some insist on fleeing and dying in defence of murderers and criminals. The selection is evident: lay down your weapons or face your inevitable destiny,” he mentioned.
The area has grow to be a serious safety problem for interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa.
He’s additionally dealing with resistance within the south, the place there have been clashes with Druze forces in current days.
Earlier this week, Syria’s foreign minister told the global chemical weapons watchdog that the brand new authorities was dedicated to destroying any remaining stockpiles produced under-Assad.
Assad’s authorities denied ever utilizing chemical weapons through the 14-year civil struggle, however activists accused it of finishing up of dozens of chemical assaults.
