Deadly Clashes Erupt In Syria Amid Rising Tensions

70 Syrians killed in a fight between Syrian government security forces and the militant group.

Escalating violence in Syria:

Syria has witnessed deadly clashes between government security forces and fighters loyal to former ruler Bashar al-Assad. According to a war monitor, over 70 people have been killed. Many people have suffered injuries. The violence marks one of the most intense conflicts since Assad was removed from power in December.

Fierce fighting in Coastal areas:

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the fighting took place in the coastal town of Jableh and nearby villages. Security forces battled pro-Assad militants in what observers called “the most violent attacks” against the new authorities. The clashes resulted in high casualties on both sides.

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Heavy casualties among fighters and civilians:

On Thursday, the Observatory confirmed that pro-Assad fighters had killed 16 security personnel. In return, 28 militants supporting the former president and four civilians also lost their lives. The overall death toll from the ongoing unrest remains uncertain.

Attacks targeting security forces:

Latakian security official Mustafa Kneifati revealed that armed groups launched coordinated attacks on security positions and checkpoints. He stated that the militants trapped patrols in Jableh, which caused heavy casualties among government forces. He stressed that security forces would retaliate strongly and restore stability to the region.

Arrest of a top military official:

Government forces achieved a breakthrough by arresting General Ibrahim Huweija. Huweija is a former head of Air Force Intelligence. State news agency SANA reported that he was involved in numerous assassinations during the rule of Hafez al-Assad. Hafez-al-Assad was the father of Bashar al-Assad. Huweija was also suspected in the 1977 killing of Lebanese Druze leader Kamal Bek Jumblatt.

Helicopter and Artillery strikes

The government launched helicopter strikes on militant hideouts in Beit Ana and surrounding areas. Artillery attacks targeted another village nearby. Reports confirmed that pro-Assad militias retaliated by attacking government forces and their equipment, thus resulting in more deaths and injuries.

The government deployed additional military reinforcements to Jableh in response to the escalating violence. Security forces also imposed curfews in Alawite-populated areas, including Latakia, Tartus, and Homs. Meanwhile, protests erupted on social media, with Alawite leaders calling for peaceful demonstrations against airstrikes that reportedly hit civilian homes.