Ongoing clashes between Syrian government forces and remnants of the ousted Assad regime have intensified in Latakia, with reports of deadly ambushes, targeted attacks on security forces, and large-scale military reinforcements moving into the region. The violence has resulted in multiple casualties and sparked accusations of deliberate sabotage, including widespread forest fires across the Syrian coast.
Security Forces Under Fire
According to a security source in Latakia, armed groups linked to remnants of Assad’s militias ambushed Ministry of Defense personnel and vehicles near the town of Beit Ana, killing one soldier and wounding others. The attackers also targeted ambulances attempting to evacuate the injured before retreating into Beit Ana and launching further assaults on government reinforcements.
“Our forces will take all necessary measures to hold these criminals accountable and strike with an iron fist against those who threaten Syria’s security,” the source told state media agency SANA.
In a separate incident, Wiam Khaddour, a leader of the Coastal Shield militia, was reportedly killed during clashes with Internal Security forces in the Datour neighborhood of Latakia. The group, composed of former regime loyalists, has been accused of carrying out attacks against security personnel.
The Director of Security in Latakia Governorate confirmed that a security cordon has been imposed around Beit Ana and Daliya to contain the militant threat. “These armed groups were affiliated with war criminal Suheil al-Hassan, who committed heinous massacres against the Syrian people,” he stated.
Military Reinforcements Deployed
Amid the escalating violence, the Ministry of Defense announced the deployment of substantial military reinforcements to Jableh and its surrounding countryside. A source told SANA that these reinforcements are meant to support General Security forces as they attempt to regain control of contested areas.
Journalist Injured Amid Clashes
Amid the chaos, journalist Riad al-Hussein of Al Jazeera was injured while covering the clashes in rural Latakia. His condition remains unknown, but the attack on a member of the press raises concerns over the dangers faced by journalists reporting from the volatile region.
The recent developments mark a significant challenge for the Syrian government as it struggles to consolidate control following the fall of the Assad regime in December. With ongoing attacks from regime remnants and accusations of deliberate sabotage, the situation in Latakia remains highly volatile.
