Syrian government forces have declared full control over the coastal cities of Tartous and Latakia following a series of military operations against remnants of the ousted Assad regime. Colonel Hassan Abdulghani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, confirmed the army’s progress, emphasizing that security and stability are being restored.
“The Defense Ministry forces achieved rapid field progress and re-imposed control over the areas that witnessed treacherous attacks against public security personnel,” Abdulghani said in a recent press release. He warned those still resisting government forces that refusal to surrender weapons would be met with a decisive military response.
Abdulghani further asserted that those who “bet on chaos” should recognize that the era of the previous regime has ended. “For those who have not yet understood this, we will re-explain it practically on the ground,” he stated.
Encirclement & Arrests of Armed Groups
In coordination with security forces, the Syrian army has engaged in widespread operations to track down and neutralize armed groups still present in the region. Government forces have reportedly encircled strongholds of the ousted regime’s remnants and intensified efforts to secure civilian areas.
A security source told the press that army units advanced to the outskirts of Jableh in Latakia’s countryside, engaging in fierce battles with regime fighters. Several armed groups have since surrendered, while others have been arrested following extensive combing operations. Security forces also seized significant quantities of weapons.
While the government has urged civilians to return to their homes in areas now deemed secure, some militants remain embedded within populated districts. Authorities are reportedly exercising caution to minimize civilian casualties during ongoing security sweeps.
Combing Operations
Military sources reported that large-scale combing operations began at dawn on Friday, with government forces raiding hideouts in Latakia, Tartous, and surrounding areas. The operations have been supported by Shahin drones and reinforcements deployed from across Syria.
Local sources report that at least 50 remnants of the former regime had been killed in the latest operations, with additional arrests taking place. Meanwhile, a curfew has been imposed in Latakia and Tartous, with officials urging civilians to remain indoors and report any suspicious activity.
The General Security Administration (GSA) has called on former regime members willing to surrender to approach the nearest security checkpoint. Those found to be supporting criminal armed groups are being pursued aggressively, with authorities vowing to hold them accountable.
Public Support for Syrian Government
The escalation in military operations follows a surge of public demonstrations in several Syrian cities, with citizens expressing support for government forces and their efforts to restore order. In response, thousands of military vehicles and security reinforcements were deployed to the coastal region overnight.
As operations near completion, officials maintain that their primary objective is to eliminate remaining threats and prevent further instability. With the army now positioned in strategic locations, the government asserts that full security will soon be restored across the Syrian coast.
